by Catriona Ward
Looking Glass Sound is the second book of Catriona Ward that I’ve read this year, and with it, Ward has proven to be one of my new favourite authors.
Our protagonist Wilder Harlow seems to be a troubled youth who, having no real friends at school, is happy to meet two young people at the family’s summer home in Maine. However, what at first seems to be a summer of fun and sun and new friends soon turns into a nightmare when Wilder begins to believe that someone he loves may be a serial killer.
Flash forward and we find Wilder, a university student where he has begun to deal with PTSD of that notorious summer by writing a memoir about his experience. Unfortunately Wilder’s trauma is exploited by someone he is close to who takes his memoir and uses it to write a best selling novel. To deal with this betrayal, Wilder returns to the summer home to face the memories and heartache life has dealt.
I was expecting this novel to be an easy mystery with tinges of horror (like Little Eve) but I soon realized that it is also an assortment of complex character studies woven into a layered plot that leaves the reader wonderfully perplexed at times. I’ve read some reviews from people who found it a confusing read, but if you take your time to enjoy the story, all will be revealed with patience.
I would recommend this novel to my high school students (and use portions of it) for examples of suspense, character building, and author craft.
I loved this book. I will be buying it in hard copy for a re-read.
Looking Glass Sound will be available to purchase in August!!
Thank you to Netgalley and Tor Publishing Group for the free copy.
Ink And Spine 