Looking Glass Sound by Catriona Ward (Review)

Title: Looking Glass Sound
Author: Catriona Ward
Type: Fiction
Genre: Adult, Horror
Publisher: Tor Nightfire
Published: August 8, 2023

A complimentary physical copy of this book was kindly provided by Tor Nightfire in exchange for an honest review.

In a lonely cottage overlooking the windswept Maine coast, Wilder Harlow begins the last book he will ever write. It is the story of his childhood summer companions and the killer that stalked the small New England town. Of the body they found, and the horror of that discovery echoing down the decades. And of Sky, Wilder’s one-time best friend, who stole his unfinished memoir and turned it into a lurid bestselling novel, Looking Glass Sound.

But as Wilder writes, the lines between memory and fiction blur. He fears he’s losing his grip on reality when he finds notes hidden around the cottage written in Sky’s signature green ink.

Catriona Ward delivers another mind-bending and cleverly crafted tale about one man’s struggle to come to terms with the terrors of his past… before it’s too late.

⤖ My Review ⬻

Based on the synopsis, I didn’t expect Looking Glass Sound by Catriona Ward to start off the way that it did. Down the line, it made sense, but in the moment, I will admit I was a little confused but then still got pulled into the story. Ward wastes no time plunging readers into a dark and mysterious narrative that keeps them guessing from the very beginning. While the initial confusion may have been disorienting, it ultimately added to the sense of intrigue and suspense that permeates the novel.

As for the rest of Looking Glass Sound…I’m really struggling with what to say without giving away important aspects of the story and taking something away from the experience of those intending to read it, so please bear with me as I try to navigate this. For me, Looking Glass Sound was a twisted and immersive journey that defied easy categorization. Ward expertly blends elements of psychological horror, supernatural suspense, and family drama to create a chilling and unforgettable story.

I found the characters of Looking Glass Sound to be very dynamic and memorable—I still think about them every now and again. Ward crafted a diverse and intriguing ensemble that adds depth and complexity to the story. While initially confused by it, I also found myself really enjoying the way the book was structured. But that’s all I can say on that without spoiling things.

Finally, the atmosphere was the other thing that stood out to me. It was both nostalgic, scenic (seaside), and foreboding and/or ominous. Ward did great at creating a palpable sense of atmosphere, evoking an almost haunting setting that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned. All in all, Looking Glass Sound as a whole was enjoyable for me, and I will definitely be trying out some of Ward’s other books (already published and upcoming).