In Glass Houses by Edel Coffey

When everyone can see inside
A killer must hide in plain sight
– In Glass Houses

[ About In Glass Houses ]

Twenty years ago, Eddie’s career as a journalist was destroyed by the Juliet Fox case.

Juliet was young and beautiful, born into the privileged world of the Manhattan elite. Pulled into their orbit by her investigation, Eddie discovered how far the rich and powerful are prepared to go when their way of life is threatened . . .

Eddie has always known that the wrong man was made the scapegoat for Juliet’s murder. So when a new luxury sky-rise is opened by Juliet’s father, just metres from where her body was discovered two decades before, Eddie can’t resist finding her way in, back into a world where dangerous people operate in the shadows, and anyone might kill to keep a secret safe.

[ My Review ]

In Glass Houses by Edel Coffey published February 12th with Hachette Ireland and is described as ‘a propulsive thriller about power and privilege set in wealthy New York society’.

Whiplash is the word that immediately comes to mind after finishing this very complex and layered tale. If you enjoy a good twist in your read then In Glass Houses might just be the book for you. Set in New York amidst the glitz and glamour of the elite, Edel Coffey takes us into the dark side with plenty of lies, deceit, greed, abuse and murder. Despicable people, with no self-awareness, abound as they gather to celebrate the opening of a new sky high development in Manhattan. This is the ultimate address for those who want to be seen, literally, as to live in this building resembles that of a very large fish tank. Strict rules about window coverings are part of the deal, when a purchase is made, leaving everyone quite exposed. This would normally be considered quite risqué but some wealthy folk do love to show-off their successes to the masses.

The developer, Bryant Fox, is a man whose daughter, Julia, was cruelly left for dead, as a teenager, in a case that had the general public enthralled many years previously. A young student had been imprisoned for the murder of Julia Fox but one person never truly believed he was guilty and still believes that justice is out there. Eddie has been living a stagnant existence for years. Following her investigation into Julia Fox’s death, her position as a journalist was damaged. Her employer was unhappy with how she subjected those in power to her provoking methods and she was moved from her successful role, downgraded to social diarist, a job she abhorred. But it is not without its benefits, as Eddie discovers, when she gets an invite to the opening night of the Sky Building and Sky Pool. Her nose itches as she suddenly realises that this may be her route in to finally unravelling the truth about Julia Fox’s death and to help exonerate the young man who took the fall all those years ago.

Eddie is tenacious. Not without her faults, her brash nature does rub plenty up the wrong way but she is determined to uncover the truth and is relentless in her search for the real killer of Julia Fox. Reputation is everything to those who move in the upper echelons of society but Eddie is at a point, in both her life and her career, where she is unafraid to ruffle feathers. The beginning of her search uncovers a few surprising details but, when a dead body is discovered, Eddie knows that there are secrets buried very deep that need to be revealed. Despicable and unsettling scenes are played out via flashbacks, as the chapters jump back and forth over time, and there are a few questionable moments that you just have to choose to accept in order to progress with the story. This approach could have the potential to cause confusion, so you do need your wits about you when reading this novel – you have been warned!

In Glass Houses is packed with shocking reveals and head-spinning twists. Terrible people with toxic attitudes, and one feisty journalist fighting against the tide, combine to deliver a fast-paced read with high voltage drama, all equating to another sure-fire hit for Edel Coffey!!

{Thank you to Hachette Ireland for a copy of In Glass Houses in exchange for my honest review}

[ Bio ]

Edel Coffey is an Irish journalist and broadcaster. She has worked as a presenter and reporter with RTE Radio, editor of the Irish Independent Weekend Magazine and books editor of the Irish Independent. She is a regular contributor to The Irish Times and RTE Radio One.

Her debut novel, Breaking Point, was a No.1 Irish bestseller, was shortlisted for Best Debut and won Best Crime Novel of the Year at the An Post Irish Book Awards. Her second novel, In Her Place, was also a No.1 Irish bestseller and was shortlisted for the RTÉ Radio 1 Listeners’ Choice Award. In Glass Houses is her third novel. Coffey lives in Galway with her husband and children.