Lost in a Glass House: A Dive into Madeline Ashby’s Unconventional Mystery
When I first stumbled upon Glass Houses by Madeline Ashby, I was instantly captivated—not just by the intriguing premise, but also by Ashby’s credit as the author of Company Town, a book I adored. A locked room mystery set against the backdrop of a tech startup? Count me in! After winning a copy through Goodreads (thank you!), I couldn’t wait to immerse myself in this bizarre tale. And while it did deliver a unique reading experience, it was a mixed bag that kept me both entertained and pondering the depths of human emotion and ambition.
At its heart, Glass Houses offers a refreshingly weird take on the classic murder mystery. Picture this: ten survivors of a plane crash stranded on a deserted island, aware that a killer lurks among them. Kristen, our main character, is not just grappling with her immediate survival but also navigating the layered complexities of her traumatic past. There’s something deeply unsettling yet compelling about the idea of emotions being transformed into currency, as presented by Wuv, the tech startup Kristen works for. This much-anticipated retreat turns disastrous, and while one might expect the mystery of the island to take center stage, Ashby deftly entwines Kristen’s backstory—her parents’ death in a fire and her ensuing scars—into the unfolding drama.
Kristen’s character is fascinating and deeply flawed, making her a compelling anchor amid the chaos surrounding her. I found myself drawn to her quiet strength, the way her scars symbolize not only her past but also her resilience. However, some of the secondary characters, particularly Sumter Williams—the eccentric billionaire—left much to be desired. If you have a low tolerance for unlikable characters, this might serve as a significant hurdle for your enjoyment. Sumter, with his swaggering entitlement and borderline predatory behavior, seemed unconvincing as a figure of power; his actions often veered into the ridiculous.
The pacing of Glass Houses surprised me. Initially, I was ready for a tight focus on the survival aspect and the slowly unravelling mystery. Instead, Ashby dedicates a considerable portion of the narrative to Kristen’s time before the crash, leading to the discovery that the island’s peril might not be the most urgent threat. But as I read on, I began to appreciate the broader narrative arc—how everything, from Sheila’s tragic fate to Kristen’s relationship with the enigmatic Anton, was crucial to understanding the present chaos.
One highlight that will stay with me is Ashby’s engaging writing style—her ability to blend futuristic concepts with relatable human emotions gives Glass Houses a fresh perspective. I especially enjoyed the commentary on sexism in tech, resonating deeply with current societal issues. By the end, I found myself immersed in a bloody confrontation that felt almost theatrical, though I couldn’t shake the feeling that both Kristen and Sumter had crossed into madness.
Despite its flaws, what struck me most was how Ashby illuminates the darker sides of ambition and emotional manipulation in our increasingly tech-driven society. If you’re looking for a book that subverts traditional mystery tropes and leaves you questioning the nature of identity and survival, Glass Houses may resonate with you. While it might not appeal to everyone, those willing to venture into the strange waters of this narrative will find much to think about long after the last page is turned.
In closing, I would recommend this book to readers who thrive on unique storytelling and appreciate a blend of sci-fi with psychological intrigue. It’s a reading experience that challenged my expectations, and I loved it for that. If nothing else, you’ll leave with a deeper contemplation of what it truly means to connect with others in a world defined by technology and trauma.