[I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]
Summary
When Hayden was a child she got “weird” when it came to mirrors. She once saw a strange boy through a mirror and felt like she almost got sucked into one. When her cat went missing, her family told her it must have gotten out and wandered off. But Hayden was sure it was the mirror.
Ever since, Hayden has stayed away from mirrors. But after an accident, Hayden finds herself in that mirror world – Destiny Falls. She finds long lost family, a magical mansion, a mystery, and a dead body.
Review
I know that’s a super short summary, but I don’t want to ruin any of the delightful world-building in this book.
What a treat! I wasn’t sure what to expect with this story, but I found great characters and a fascinating setting with a twisty and engaging mystery. It was a start to finish read. I have so many questions! The biggest is when I can get my hands on book 2. (The answer is March 15 – The Disappearance of Emily.)
There are so many pieces of this that were perfect for me as a reader:
- Hayden is a great protagonist – she’s bright and curious. I loved watching her sleuthing on the murder as well as her investigation of her new surroundings and situation.
- She’s pulled into a magical world that is great. A lot of the magic has a fun “Room of Requirement” feel to it that I thoroughly enjoyed.
- Hayden’s long lost family – and the history of that family – is fascinating. And there are still questions there to explore.
- The mystery is much larger than the murder. I loved how it developed across the whole book, bit by bit. One of the fast few clues pulled it all together for me. I loved watching it all work out.
- If I had to pick a genre for this I would say it is more fantasy than mystery because the larger story is about Hayden, about this family and mirror world, about the magic there and her adjustment to it, and about the mysterious characters causing trouble there. But the fantasy and mystery pieces are so well woven together, it’s hard to separate them from each other. And both genres are a big appeal for me.
If you are looking for a magical cozy with a great protagonist and a strong family legacy angle, don’t hesitate to pick this one up. I loved it!
Rating: ♥♥♥♥½*
*♥♥♥♥½ = I loved it! Would re-read.