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Gaslight
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Sara Shepard and Sundance Award-winning filmmaker and podcast creator Miles Joris-Peyrafitte, Gaslight is a tense thriller that dredges the inner workings of cults, the susceptibility of young minds, and the fragility of both friendship and marriage.
Rebecca is living a peaceful life in Nevada with her husband, Tom, and their two young children. Her past is in the past and she does a good job of keeping it there, until her old friend, Danny, shows up on the doorstep one morning, throwing her sweet family life into turmoil. Danny is nothing but a reminder of what Rebecca fled all those years ago, and all the secrets she’s keeping from Tom. She tries her hardest to manage the situation and figure out what Danny wants, but all Rebecca seems to find are layers upon layers of deception.
That deception has a lot to do with ISB, the cult Danny has been part of for ten years; a group of spiritual seekers living deep in the woods, cut off from their families and friends, led by a charismatic leader who’s a master at manipulation and mind control. Is Danny here because she’s trying to break free from the cult? Or is she on a recruiting mission? It’s hard for Rebecca to know when Danny’s telling the truth and when she’s lying, but one thing’s for her presence might just blow up Rebecca’s life. As she scrambles to figure out Danny’s intentions, Rebecca begins to lose sight of the people she loves most—and the danger closing in on them all.
Rebecca is living a peaceful life in Nevada with her husband, Tom, and their two young children. Her past is in the past and she does a good job of keeping it there, until her old friend, Danny, shows up on the doorstep one morning, throwing her sweet family life into turmoil. Danny is nothing but a reminder of what Rebecca fled all those years ago, and all the secrets she’s keeping from Tom. She tries her hardest to manage the situation and figure out what Danny wants, but all Rebecca seems to find are layers upon layers of deception.
That deception has a lot to do with ISB, the cult Danny has been part of for ten years; a group of spiritual seekers living deep in the woods, cut off from their families and friends, led by a charismatic leader who’s a master at manipulation and mind control. Is Danny here because she’s trying to break free from the cult? Or is she on a recruiting mission? It’s hard for Rebecca to know when Danny’s telling the truth and when she’s lying, but one thing’s for her presence might just blow up Rebecca’s life. As she scrambles to figure out Danny’s intentions, Rebecca begins to lose sight of the people she loves most—and the danger closing in on them all.
1 pages, Audio CD
First published September 17, 2024
About the author
Sara Shepard
106 books14.5k followersSara Shepard graduated from NYU and has an MFA from Brooklyn College. She has lived in New York City, Brooklyn, Tucson, Arizona, Philadelphia, and now lives in Pittsburgh, PA. Sara's Pretty Little Liars novels were inspired by her upbringing in Philadelphia's Main Line.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
September 18, 2024
Bex has worked hard to overcome past traumas and built a cozy family life. She has it all: two happy children, a wonderful husband and a gorgeous suburban home. But her comfortable existence is threatened when her old friend Danny shows up at her door.
Danny has spent nearly a decade deeply enmeshed in a dangerous cult. She lives on its compound and is one of its charismatic leader’s romantic partners. She even appears in YouTube videos promoting its teachings. But she tells Bex that she’s ready to leave it all behind. She says she’s run away and needs help from her old friend. Bex doesn’t know what to do. If Danny’s telling the truth, it would be cruel to turn her away. But if she’s lying, and still working for the cult…Bex and her family could be in its crosshairs.
I loved this book. It had the page-turning pacing that I’ve come to expect from Sara Shepard’s thrillers as well as some enjoyable and surprising twists. Like much of Shepard’s other work, female friendship, and the tensions and jealousies that can coexist with heartfelt care, is a big theme. I am a person who has consumed WAY too many documentaries and podcasts about cults, and the one in this book rang true to me. The way characters got sucked in by personal attention and seemingly reasonable teachings felt very realistic, as did the way the cult’s control over their lives escalated.
I would recommend this to anyone looking for a fun thriller, and especially anyone fascinated by cults.
Danny has spent nearly a decade deeply enmeshed in a dangerous cult. She lives on its compound and is one of its charismatic leader’s romantic partners. She even appears in YouTube videos promoting its teachings. But she tells Bex that she’s ready to leave it all behind. She says she’s run away and needs help from her old friend. Bex doesn’t know what to do. If Danny’s telling the truth, it would be cruel to turn her away. But if she’s lying, and still working for the cult…Bex and her family could be in its crosshairs.
I loved this book. It had the page-turning pacing that I’ve come to expect from Sara Shepard’s thrillers as well as some enjoyable and surprising twists. Like much of Shepard’s other work, female friendship, and the tensions and jealousies that can coexist with heartfelt care, is a big theme. I am a person who has consumed WAY too many documentaries and podcasts about cults, and the one in this book rang true to me. The way characters got sucked in by personal attention and seemingly reasonable teachings felt very realistic, as did the way the cult’s control over their lives escalated.
I would recommend this to anyone looking for a fun thriller, and especially anyone fascinated by cults.
September 10, 2024
Not perfect, but worth a listen and I quite liked it.
Full review: Thank you to authors Miles Joris-Peyrafitte and Sara Shepard, publishers Blackstone Publishing, and NetGalley for an advance audiobook copy of GASLIGHT. Read by Julia Atwood. All views are mine.
...[She] looks her old friend up and down. She looks the same, in a lot of ways. That wavy, golden blonde hair, lots of freckles, the pointy chin people always said gave her a Reese Witherspoon vibe. There are differences too. Danny has always Bern petite, but now she seems withered. Her legs in her skinny jeans look emaciated. Her sweater swallows her whole. ...Her skin is almost gray, and her fingernails are blue....
One of my favorite things about GASLIGHT is that it accurately depicts the horrifying tactics cults use to control their members. A great deal of this story's tension comes from mistrust and distrust.
The characters can't and don't trust one another, and as a result experience harm right and left. Similarly, the reader can't trust any of the characters or narrators, even though they must witness them being punished for their own distrust. The reader becomes a part of the viscious cycle playing out on the page. This form is quite compelling and made for riveting reading for me.
Beyond that, GASLIGHT also contains solid use of fictional elements: well drawn characters, interesting subplots, solid minimalist prose, smart and efficient setting and description.
I was initially attracted to this book, not because of Joris-Peyrafitte's podcast and true crime expertise, but because I wanted to see how an award-winning documentarian and a solid writer tackle the fiction monster. I especially wanted to experience the audiobook and know how they handled such a wonderful media mashup. I thought I would find something special, and I did. This is a great audiobook! I suspect it might be better on audibook than book book, but I'll never know!
I recommend GASLIGHT to fans of audiobooks, true crime, cult books, unreliable narrator, and unlikely friendship stories.
Reading Notes
Three (or more) things I loved:
1. This is a really good, solid cult-astic horror book. So if you're into the cult stuff, there's going to be something for you here.
2. I was completely riveted by the development of Rebecca "Becs" and Danielle "Danny." At one point, the shape of their relationship, past and present, completely subsumes the plot. This works well here, considering this book is about trust, in as much as there *is none* where cults are concerned. Once I invested in these two, I was all-in on the story.
Three (or less) things I didn't love:
This section isn't only for criticisms. It's merely for items that I felt something for other than "love" or some interpretation thereof.
1. This is really convoluted, but I guess what was I expecting from a book called GASLIGHT? Speaking of that, I guess I wish actual gaslighting played a more dominant role in the story. When it shows up, it's great, I just want more of it!
2. Not a fan of Atwood, the narrator. Her tone completely lacks inflection and I'm having trouble engaging with the story. I'm working too hard to pick up what she's saying and expressing, trying to interpret from her flatness what is important.
3. Some of the material repeats itself often. Some of it might be the author laying the plot, like foreshadowing and such.
Rating: 👶🏻👶🏻👶🏻👶🏻 /5 male descendants
Recommend? Yes!
Finished: Aug 29 '24
Format: Audiobook, NetGalley
Read this book if you like:
🪄 cult stories
🔪 true crime
👭🏽 friend drama
🦨 unlikely friends
🗣 unreliable narrators
🎧 audiobooks
Full review: Thank you to authors Miles Joris-Peyrafitte and Sara Shepard, publishers Blackstone Publishing, and NetGalley for an advance audiobook copy of GASLIGHT. Read by Julia Atwood. All views are mine.
...[She] looks her old friend up and down. She looks the same, in a lot of ways. That wavy, golden blonde hair, lots of freckles, the pointy chin people always said gave her a Reese Witherspoon vibe. There are differences too. Danny has always Bern petite, but now she seems withered. Her legs in her skinny jeans look emaciated. Her sweater swallows her whole. ...Her skin is almost gray, and her fingernails are blue....
One of my favorite things about GASLIGHT is that it accurately depicts the horrifying tactics cults use to control their members. A great deal of this story's tension comes from mistrust and distrust.
The characters can't and don't trust one another, and as a result experience harm right and left. Similarly, the reader can't trust any of the characters or narrators, even though they must witness them being punished for their own distrust. The reader becomes a part of the viscious cycle playing out on the page. This form is quite compelling and made for riveting reading for me.
Beyond that, GASLIGHT also contains solid use of fictional elements: well drawn characters, interesting subplots, solid minimalist prose, smart and efficient setting and description.
I was initially attracted to this book, not because of Joris-Peyrafitte's podcast and true crime expertise, but because I wanted to see how an award-winning documentarian and a solid writer tackle the fiction monster. I especially wanted to experience the audiobook and know how they handled such a wonderful media mashup. I thought I would find something special, and I did. This is a great audiobook! I suspect it might be better on audibook than book book, but I'll never know!
I recommend GASLIGHT to fans of audiobooks, true crime, cult books, unreliable narrator, and unlikely friendship stories.
Reading Notes
Three (or more) things I loved:
1. This is a really good, solid cult-astic horror book. So if you're into the cult stuff, there's going to be something for you here.
2. I was completely riveted by the development of Rebecca "Becs" and Danielle "Danny." At one point, the shape of their relationship, past and present, completely subsumes the plot. This works well here, considering this book is about trust, in as much as there *is none* where cults are concerned. Once I invested in these two, I was all-in on the story.
Three (or less) things I didn't love:
This section isn't only for criticisms. It's merely for items that I felt something for other than "love" or some interpretation thereof.
1. This is really convoluted, but I guess what was I expecting from a book called GASLIGHT? Speaking of that, I guess I wish actual gaslighting played a more dominant role in the story. When it shows up, it's great, I just want more of it!
2. Not a fan of Atwood, the narrator. Her tone completely lacks inflection and I'm having trouble engaging with the story. I'm working too hard to pick up what she's saying and expressing, trying to interpret from her flatness what is important.
3. Some of the material repeats itself often. Some of it might be the author laying the plot, like foreshadowing and such.
Rating: 👶🏻👶🏻👶🏻👶🏻 /5 male descendants
Recommend? Yes!
Finished: Aug 29 '24
Format: Audiobook, NetGalley
Read this book if you like:
🪄 cult stories
🔪 true crime
👭🏽 friend drama
🦨 unlikely friends
🗣 unreliable narrators
🎧 audiobooks
September 17, 2024
What is it about? Cults!! Who doesn’t love to hear about the wild and crazy leader of a cult and how they get people to become brainwashed and manipulated to follow their rules. This book was especially awesome because it really delved deep into the nitty gritty day in and day out of a cult. How it gathered its’ members and how the leader used manipulation and control to get his followers to do pretty much ANYTHING for him.
The characters: Rebecca - a woman who escaped the cult and has attempted to form a normal life for herself by getting married, having children, and staying off the grid. Danny - a girl who joined the cult in her most impressionable years (teens) and is in love with the cult leader. Tom - Rebecca’s husband, who knows nothing about Rebecca’s past. Ben-the leader of ISB - who claims a spiritual approach to life by defying victimhood which is a “portal to the divine.” He is the master of manipulation. He is devious and preys on weak young females and even some males.
How I felt about it? Cults are fascinating to me. Perhaps because I can’t fathom how a person can allow themself to be controlled by another human. What I loved about this book was its’ believability and the way it described the actual inner workings of the cult. Most books seem to shy away from this aspect and just hint around at what happens but this book was vivid and detailed and I loved every page. 5 ⭐️ read for me.
Thank you @NetGalley and @Blackstone publishing for an audible version of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
The characters: Rebecca - a woman who escaped the cult and has attempted to form a normal life for herself by getting married, having children, and staying off the grid. Danny - a girl who joined the cult in her most impressionable years (teens) and is in love with the cult leader. Tom - Rebecca’s husband, who knows nothing about Rebecca’s past. Ben-the leader of ISB - who claims a spiritual approach to life by defying victimhood which is a “portal to the divine.” He is the master of manipulation. He is devious and preys on weak young females and even some males.
How I felt about it? Cults are fascinating to me. Perhaps because I can’t fathom how a person can allow themself to be controlled by another human. What I loved about this book was its’ believability and the way it described the actual inner workings of the cult. Most books seem to shy away from this aspect and just hint around at what happens but this book was vivid and detailed and I loved every page. 5 ⭐️ read for me.
Thank you @NetGalley and @Blackstone publishing for an audible version of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
September 9, 2024
It’s not often that I finish a book and RUN to leave a review! Wow! This book was everything needed for a perfect cult classic! And I mean that in more ways than one!
Gaslight is a crazy ride inside a cult organization very similar to one that made headlines not that long ago. The intrigue, the suspense, the love that I felt for these characters is so real! I don’t want to give any more information, go in blind and clear your schedule for the entire day. I absolutely HATE that I finished this book … I would give my first born child (no pun intended) to be able to read this again for the first time.
Thank you NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for this ALC.
Gaslight is a crazy ride inside a cult organization very similar to one that made headlines not that long ago. The intrigue, the suspense, the love that I felt for these characters is so real! I don’t want to give any more information, go in blind and clear your schedule for the entire day. I absolutely HATE that I finished this book … I would give my first born child (no pun intended) to be able to read this again for the first time.
Thank you NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for this ALC.
September 11, 2024
Gaslight by Miles Joris-Peyrafitte and Sara Shepard. Thanks to @simonandschuster for the gifted Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rebeca lives a quiet life with her husband and kids. It’s all turned upside down when an old friend, Danny, shows up unexpected. Rebecca didn’t tell her husband about her past with the ISB, a cult Danny is still with.
Gaslight is the perfect title for this one and as you read it you’ll realise the double meaning. Cult fiction fans will enjoy this one. There’s enough suspense about the details of the cult to keep you turning the pages and it gets exciting at the end.
“Those people are spiders. They will catch you. And they’ll stop for nothing to keep you in their web.”
Gaslight comes out 9/17.
Rebeca lives a quiet life with her husband and kids. It’s all turned upside down when an old friend, Danny, shows up unexpected. Rebecca didn’t tell her husband about her past with the ISB, a cult Danny is still with.
Gaslight is the perfect title for this one and as you read it you’ll realise the double meaning. Cult fiction fans will enjoy this one. There’s enough suspense about the details of the cult to keep you turning the pages and it gets exciting at the end.
“Those people are spiders. They will catch you. And they’ll stop for nothing to keep you in their web.”
Gaslight comes out 9/17.
April 6, 2024
ARC for review. To be published September 17, 2024.
Rebecca, husband Tom and their two children are enjoying life in Carson City, Nevada when her past appears in the form of her old friend Danny who is a reminder of all the secrets she is keeping from her husband. She can’t determine what determine what Danny wants from her.
Turns out that Danny has been a part of ISB, Infinite Spiritual Being, a cult. They live in the woods, cut off from society and are led by a master manipulator. Rebecca has a past with the group too. Is Danny trying to break with the group or does he have something else in mind?
I will read pretty much anything about cults, my one true love, but I finished this book less than a week ago and I already have forgotten pretty much everything about it, which doesn’t really say much for it. The cult leader was sufficiently creepy, and you kind of wondered why people would follow him, but I don’t have much else. So I guess it was OK.
Rebecca, husband Tom and their two children are enjoying life in Carson City, Nevada when her past appears in the form of her old friend Danny who is a reminder of all the secrets she is keeping from her husband. She can’t determine what determine what Danny wants from her.
Turns out that Danny has been a part of ISB, Infinite Spiritual Being, a cult. They live in the woods, cut off from society and are led by a master manipulator. Rebecca has a past with the group too. Is Danny trying to break with the group or does he have something else in mind?
I will read pretty much anything about cults, my one true love, but I finished this book less than a week ago and I already have forgotten pretty much everything about it, which doesn’t really say much for it. The cult leader was sufficiently creepy, and you kind of wondered why people would follow him, but I don’t have much else. So I guess it was OK.
September 4, 2024
The cover was the most interesting part of this book.
This was a very basic cult story. Definitely not a mystery thriller more of a dark contemporary.
Thank you to LibroFM for the ALC!! I did love this narrator.
This was a very basic cult story. Definitely not a mystery thriller more of a dark contemporary.
Thank you to LibroFM for the ALC!! I did love this narrator.
September 12, 2024
Gaslight by Sara Shepard and Miles Joris-Peyrafitte is a book about cults, secrets, gaslighting and a lot more. Told from multiple points of view, it’s mainly the story of Rebecca, who is now living with her husband and children after having left her past behind (even if it still gives her nightmares). But then her past comes out of her nightmares and catches up to her reality when an old friend Danny comes to her house one morning. Danny has been a part of a cult for 10 years and it's upto Rebecca to figure out whether she is there to get help or on put her family in danger. Everyone is keeping secrets and slowly they get revealed. It’s fast paced and well written. But it’s not a typical thriller and is more fiction. If you are someone who is interested in true crime or cults, you can definitely check it out.
September 7, 2024
I’m kind of obsessed with Miles Joris-Peyrafitte’s 2016 movie As You Are, so I was really excited when I saw that he had co-written this novel. While the plots are completely different, I feel like there is some thematic crossover with what I enjoyed so much from his movie. Messy characters, complicated friendships, and explorations of tragedy are present in both stories. Gaslight follows two women, Rebecca and Danny, both as they join a cult right out of high school and then years later after Rebecca has left and Danny shows up out of the blue.
I thought this was a really compelling book. It’s not so much a mystery or fast-paced thriller, it’s way more focused on the internal lives of the women and how they were brainwashed within the cult. It’s interesting to see the story in the present day and how Rebecca is able to realize the harmful ways that the cult is treating Danny while Danny is still trusting of the organization and the leader. While the majority of the book is focused on the evolution of the characters, there are a few action-packed scenes that add a lot of suspense to the story.
There were some parts of the book where I wanted more from the side characters or more of a look into the online chatter about the cult. The women and their friendship felt really fleshed out, but some other parts of the story were a tiny bit lacking for me.
But overall I had a great time with this book. I’d definitely recommend it for people who enjoy character focused explorations into cults and complicated friendships.
Thank you to the publisher for providing an advance copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I thought this was a really compelling book. It’s not so much a mystery or fast-paced thriller, it’s way more focused on the internal lives of the women and how they were brainwashed within the cult. It’s interesting to see the story in the present day and how Rebecca is able to realize the harmful ways that the cult is treating Danny while Danny is still trusting of the organization and the leader. While the majority of the book is focused on the evolution of the characters, there are a few action-packed scenes that add a lot of suspense to the story.
There were some parts of the book where I wanted more from the side characters or more of a look into the online chatter about the cult. The women and their friendship felt really fleshed out, but some other parts of the story were a tiny bit lacking for me.
But overall I had a great time with this book. I’d definitely recommend it for people who enjoy character focused explorations into cults and complicated friendships.
Thank you to the publisher for providing an advance copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 21, 2024
Thank you #partner @bibliolifestyle @blackstonepublishing for having me on this tour!
Ok first of all, can we talk about this cover? I am in love. This was a little on the slow burn side most of the way through, and then towards the end it picked up the pace. Overall I thought this was great, I’m all in for cult stories and this was a wild one with a few twists along the way. The ending was crazy, and very satisfying. I also listened to this one via audio and thought the narrator did an excellent job of bringing this one to life.
Ok first of all, can we talk about this cover? I am in love. This was a little on the slow burn side most of the way through, and then towards the end it picked up the pace. Overall I thought this was great, I’m all in for cult stories and this was a wild one with a few twists along the way. The ending was crazy, and very satisfying. I also listened to this one via audio and thought the narrator did an excellent job of bringing this one to life.
September 26, 2024
Echt spannender und realistischer Roman über eine Sekte und zwei Frauen, die in ihre Fänge geraten.
June 17, 2024
Booklist review. Though propulsive and interesting, this book has a massive amount of trauma that was difficult for me to read. Readers should tread carefully. Fans of the podcast may enjoy this, though, if they are already familiar with the subject matter.
September 14, 2024
Gaslight by Sara Shepard and Miles Joris-Peyrafitte offers an intriguing premise: a woman’s seemingly idyllic life is disrupted by the reappearance of a former friend with ties to a dangerous cult. Unfortunately, the execution falls short of its potential.
Rebecca, living peacefully with her family in Carson City, Nevada, is thrown into turmoil when her old friend Danny shows up. Danny’s involvement in the Infinite Spiritual Being (ISB) cult and her life at its secluded compound in Bend, Oregon raises questions about Rebecca’s past and the secrets she’s hiding. As Rebecca tries to navigate Danny’s intentions and protect her loved ones, she finds herself caught in a web of deception and danger.
I was excited to dive into Gaslight by Sara Shepard and Miles Joris-Peyrafitte, given the premise and the promise of a taut psychological thriller playing out in the small space of Rebecca's home. Danny's sudden appearance creates a delicious amount of tension, especially since the reader does not know what her intentions are. I enjoyed much of the first third of the novel as the premise unfolded.
However, this novel fell short of my expectations and struggles with character depth and pacing. The characters feel one-dimensional, and the plot often feels predictable or implausible. (Your OB has Saturday appointments and you managed to get one? Totally unbelievable.) The dual timeline narrative interrupts the tension of Danny's unexpected visit, and some chapters and details were unnecessary to the plot.
The audiobook narration is competent and does not detract from the story.
Ultimately, Gaslight is a missed opportunity. While the premise is promising, the execution leaves much to be desired. If you're looking for a gripping psychological thriller, I recommend exploring other options.
I am grateful to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with a review copy of this book. These opinions are my own.
Rebecca, living peacefully with her family in Carson City, Nevada, is thrown into turmoil when her old friend Danny shows up. Danny’s involvement in the Infinite Spiritual Being (ISB) cult and her life at its secluded compound in Bend, Oregon raises questions about Rebecca’s past and the secrets she’s hiding. As Rebecca tries to navigate Danny’s intentions and protect her loved ones, she finds herself caught in a web of deception and danger.
I was excited to dive into Gaslight by Sara Shepard and Miles Joris-Peyrafitte, given the premise and the promise of a taut psychological thriller playing out in the small space of Rebecca's home. Danny's sudden appearance creates a delicious amount of tension, especially since the reader does not know what her intentions are. I enjoyed much of the first third of the novel as the premise unfolded.
However, this novel fell short of my expectations and struggles with character depth and pacing. The characters feel one-dimensional, and the plot often feels predictable or implausible. (Your OB has Saturday appointments and you managed to get one? Totally unbelievable.) The dual timeline narrative interrupts the tension of Danny's unexpected visit, and some chapters and details were unnecessary to the plot.
The audiobook narration is competent and does not detract from the story.
Ultimately, Gaslight is a missed opportunity. While the premise is promising, the execution leaves much to be desired. If you're looking for a gripping psychological thriller, I recommend exploring other options.
I am grateful to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with a review copy of this book. These opinions are my own.
September 16, 2024
This was such an easy and interesting listen.
The pace of this book makes it to easy to crush quickly.
Cults are always an intriguing topic, and this book is no exception. It was eerie and interesting how the authors really broke down how charismatic leaders can influence their followers.
There are multiple POVs, and I loved how the authors really give you the thought process of so many different people involved in this story.
Bex is a guarded mother of two living in the suburbs. She doesn’t get into her past but it’s a dark one. When her best friend Danny shows up on her doorstep she has to relive and face all the darkness she thought she left behind.
This is such a good read. Kept my attention through it all. Give it a listen! Thanks Libro.fm for the advanced listen!
The pace of this book makes it to easy to crush quickly.
Cults are always an intriguing topic, and this book is no exception. It was eerie and interesting how the authors really broke down how charismatic leaders can influence their followers.
There are multiple POVs, and I loved how the authors really give you the thought process of so many different people involved in this story.
Bex is a guarded mother of two living in the suburbs. She doesn’t get into her past but it’s a dark one. When her best friend Danny shows up on her doorstep she has to relive and face all the darkness she thought she left behind.
This is such a good read. Kept my attention through it all. Give it a listen! Thanks Libro.fm for the advanced listen!
September 24, 2024
I LOVE CULTS 😭😭😭😭😭
August 19, 2024
An undeveloped cult book with somewhat interesting characters. I wanted more and was left... unsatisfied.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review.
August 28, 2024
They all joined a cult in high school now almost 10 years later the past is back looking for answers.
Told in multiple POV’s with alternating timelines, you’re in for an uneasy good time.
I love a good cult, and while the story was interesting and had so much potential (I mean just look at this cover 😍), it ultimately felt like something was missing.
I wouldn’t categorize this a thriller, but it was suspenseful. If you’re a fan of cults, I say to give it a read.
Told in multiple POV’s with alternating timelines, you’re in for an uneasy good time.
I love a good cult, and while the story was interesting and had so much potential (I mean just look at this cover 😍), it ultimately felt like something was missing.
I wouldn’t categorize this a thriller, but it was suspenseful. If you’re a fan of cults, I say to give it a read.
July 29, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley for letting me read the e-arc of Gaslight. I really enjoyed this book. I love cult-y books and this was insane as well as believable. I definitely think you should give this book a read if you like the kind of books where you’re on edge waiting to see what happens and characters that you can’t fully trust.
September 28, 2024
Gaslight is the book that i didn't know i needed, but now i can't stop thinking about. imagine if every cult documentary on Netflix, Hulu, and HBO decided to have a baby with The Handmaid's Tale, and then sprinkle in a little Gone Girl spice for good measure. that's Gaslight.
Rebecca’s life is perfectly stable in nevada—husband, kids, all the suburban dream vibes—until her old friend Danny shows up and decides to wreck her peace. Danny’s connection to ISB, this wild cult led by a too-charismatic leader, means nothing good for Rebecca, especially since Danny’s arrival threatens to reveal the secrets rebecca's been hiding from her husband, Tom. and honestly, Danny keeps you guessing. is she trying to escape, or is she here to drag Rebecca back into the mess she ran from?
the tension is nonstop. between Rebecca losing her grip on what’s real and all the twists involving Danny, it’s a rollercoaster of manipulation, secrets, and drama. it’s dark, it's twisty, and every chapter just adds another layer to the craziness. i need a movie adaptation, stat. this story begs to be on the big screen.
if cults, messed-up friendships, and unraveling secrets are your thing, Gaslight is one you don’t want to miss.
thank you NetGalley and Blackstone Audio for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
Rebecca’s life is perfectly stable in nevada—husband, kids, all the suburban dream vibes—until her old friend Danny shows up and decides to wreck her peace. Danny’s connection to ISB, this wild cult led by a too-charismatic leader, means nothing good for Rebecca, especially since Danny’s arrival threatens to reveal the secrets rebecca's been hiding from her husband, Tom. and honestly, Danny keeps you guessing. is she trying to escape, or is she here to drag Rebecca back into the mess she ran from?
the tension is nonstop. between Rebecca losing her grip on what’s real and all the twists involving Danny, it’s a rollercoaster of manipulation, secrets, and drama. it’s dark, it's twisty, and every chapter just adds another layer to the craziness. i need a movie adaptation, stat. this story begs to be on the big screen.
if cults, messed-up friendships, and unraveling secrets are your thing, Gaslight is one you don’t want to miss.
thank you NetGalley and Blackstone Audio for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
September 25, 2024
3.5 stars. For the most part I really enjoyed this--the story was compelling and hard to put down. At the same time, it was predictable. Another reviewer called this a "basic cult story" and I was like "how is that possible?" but it totally was. At times I definitely spotted inspiration from the Twin Flames documentary. It's like the authors watched every cult documentary and listened to every cult podcast and then whipped this up.
Some things felt very "super easy, barely an inconvenience" to the point where it wasn't believable. Both Rebecca and Danny changed their minds so quickly that it didn't seem realistic. Ben was almost cartoonishly evil with almost no nuance or evidence of the charm that made people fall into his cult. Similarly, Rebecca and Danny don't have much depth to them. One is former cult girlie with parents who don't care about her and one is still in cult girlie with a mom who loves her but she grew up poor.
I'm glad Roscoe was saved, of course, but damn he was an annoying kid LOL.
Entertaining and enjoyable, just not the most gripping, surprising, deepest, or realistic piece of fiction I've ever read.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
Some things felt very "super easy, barely an inconvenience" to the point where it wasn't believable. Both Rebecca and Danny changed their minds so quickly that it didn't seem realistic. Ben was almost cartoonishly evil with almost no nuance or evidence of the charm that made people fall into his cult. Similarly, Rebecca and Danny don't have much depth to them. One is former cult girlie with parents who don't care about her and one is still in cult girlie with a mom who loves her but she grew up poor.
I'm glad Roscoe was saved, of course, but damn he was an annoying kid LOL.
Entertaining and enjoyable, just not the most gripping, surprising, deepest, or realistic piece of fiction I've ever read.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2024
Look how beautiful this cover is! There is something about books with bright pink covers - especially when the genre is thriller, like this book, instead of the more likely romance pink cover.
Do you like reading about cults? I am intrigued by cults, especially lately, and I could not stop Gaslight once I started it. I switched between reading a physical #gifted copy and listening to the audio. Thanks to Blackstone and Bibliolifestyle for the physical copy, and to NetGalley for the ALC, too. While the story took a little while to really develop and get going, I felt the payoff was worth the slow start. If you like reading about cults, I think you will like this one too. I recommend both the book and the audiobook.
Do you like reading about cults? I am intrigued by cults, especially lately, and I could not stop Gaslight once I started it. I switched between reading a physical #gifted copy and listening to the audio. Thanks to Blackstone and Bibliolifestyle for the physical copy, and to NetGalley for the ALC, too. While the story took a little while to really develop and get going, I felt the payoff was worth the slow start. If you like reading about cults, I think you will like this one too. I recommend both the book and the audiobook.
September 24, 2024
ARC via NetGalley and the publisher.
What happens after someone escapes a cult? And what happens to everyone they leave behind?
Rebecca has kept her past a secret from her husband, but when the best friend she recruited and then left behind in a cult shows up at her door...everything she's kept so tightly bound explodes. Rebecca, her husband, her children, and even her friend are all in danger from multiple directions.
It was hard to read this at times because it's brutal, because you see how these young women were manipulated and used by a man who only wanted power. My stomach was twisting, I was tense, at one point I think I was shaking. It's a painful read with a satisfying ending.
What happens after someone escapes a cult? And what happens to everyone they leave behind?
Rebecca has kept her past a secret from her husband, but when the best friend she recruited and then left behind in a cult shows up at her door...everything she's kept so tightly bound explodes. Rebecca, her husband, her children, and even her friend are all in danger from multiple directions.
It was hard to read this at times because it's brutal, because you see how these young women were manipulated and used by a man who only wanted power. My stomach was twisting, I was tense, at one point I think I was shaking. It's a painful read with a satisfying ending.
August 27, 2024
I could not put this book down! This is gripping thriller/suspense about two women who are running from their past. Told from multiple POV and across different timelines (past & present), this book was so well organized and told in my favorite way for thrillers. Each chapter ended on a cliff hanger that had me staying up way too late to keep listening. I instantly felt connected to Rebecca and Danny, their character development throughout the book was amazing to see.
This novel is for true crime, cult conspiracies and anyone that enjoys a good suspense.
Thank you Blackstone publishing and netgalley for the advance listening copy.
This novel is for true crime, cult conspiracies and anyone that enjoys a good suspense.
Thank you Blackstone publishing and netgalley for the advance listening copy.
September 12, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
Read
September 19, 2024Rebecca has escaped a cult and is living a new life with her husband Tom and their two children, until her old friend Danny shows up at her door. Tom doesn't know anything of Rebecca's past with the cult, the things she did, or what exactly she's hiding from. What does Danny want? Has she left the cult too after all these years?
I was sucked in right away by the thought processes of Rebecca, the story of her past, and why/how she left the cult. The alternating thoughts of Tom and Danny were also captivating. The way people can be gradually manipulated into joining a cult fascinates me as much as it horrifies me. In that respect, GASLIGHT had my full attention with the process of how the two women, Rebecca and Danny ended up a part of the cult, ISB.
Where things got a little blurry for me, is many details of how ISB worked reminded me of the real cult, NXIVM. I suppose there are certain aspects that are the same for ALL cults since there's a distinct way they operate. That being said, I enjoyed this! Despite the similarities, it also differs in many ways, but with a common theme of power and control. It's heartbreaking to be in the thoughts of a person whose identity is so broken down, they are lost without being told what to do.
Julie Atwood did a phenomenal job of narrating the different characters and all their conflicting emotions. At times the inner thoughts of Danny and Rebecca made me cringe, as did the perspective of Ben, the cult leader. I read this fairly quickly since it had an intense sense of foreboding and impending doom, it was hard to put down. Since this IS fiction...things definitely take a dark turn and the ending is in many ways much more satisfying than what happened with NXIVM!
____
Thank you Blackstone Publishing for the gifted copies. All opinions are mine.
____
Potential spoiler content warnings below.
⚠️Content warnings: language, gaslighting, manipulation, OCD, false imprisonment, violence, Mention of: drug addiction
I was sucked in right away by the thought processes of Rebecca, the story of her past, and why/how she left the cult. The alternating thoughts of Tom and Danny were also captivating. The way people can be gradually manipulated into joining a cult fascinates me as much as it horrifies me. In that respect, GASLIGHT had my full attention with the process of how the two women, Rebecca and Danny ended up a part of the cult, ISB.
Where things got a little blurry for me, is many details of how ISB worked reminded me of the real cult, NXIVM. I suppose there are certain aspects that are the same for ALL cults since there's a distinct way they operate. That being said, I enjoyed this! Despite the similarities, it also differs in many ways, but with a common theme of power and control. It's heartbreaking to be in the thoughts of a person whose identity is so broken down, they are lost without being told what to do.
Julie Atwood did a phenomenal job of narrating the different characters and all their conflicting emotions. At times the inner thoughts of Danny and Rebecca made me cringe, as did the perspective of Ben, the cult leader. I read this fairly quickly since it had an intense sense of foreboding and impending doom, it was hard to put down. Since this IS fiction...things definitely take a dark turn and the ending is in many ways much more satisfying than what happened with NXIVM!
____
Thank you Blackstone Publishing for the gifted copies. All opinions are mine.
____
Potential spoiler content warnings below.
⚠️Content warnings: language, gaslighting, manipulation, OCD, false imprisonment, violence, Mention of: drug addiction
September 2, 2024
This was unexpectedly really good! I'd looked through the reviews before starting it and was worried, just hoping I'd get through enough to write a review at least. That was definitely not a worry I should've had. I listened to the audiobook in three large chunks, the first night was 5 straight hours. It was so hard to stop it!
The story follows 2 ladies, Danny and Rebecca, shifting between their third person points of view, also shifting between past and present day. After high school, the girls had joined a group, ISB, a cult really, headed by a obviously controlling but charmistic man, Ben. At some point, Rebecca leaves, gets married to Tom and has kids. Everything is going well for Rebecca and Tom until Danny shows up on their doorstep one day. All the secrets about her former life Rebecca never told Tom, suddenly come out. And Danny has new secrets for Rebecca.
The characters are all very intense and complex, but in a good way. They're not exhausting or annoying in their intensity. It's hard to figure out who you should like or dislike, everyone making some harsh decisions sometimes. I don't normally listen to fiction audiobooks, I have a hard time following the story, but had no issues with this one. The story flowed well, even going back to the past parts to fill things in. And all the story was filled in so nicely, I didn't feel like anything was left unresolved. The narrator was great and I listened at 1.5x speed and thoroughly enjoyed the whole reading. I love cult stories and this was exactly that, major NXIVM vibes with this one too.
If you're a fan of cult stories, thrillers, or even friendships turned bad (think Pretty Little Liars), give this one a try. I'm not sure why some of the reviews weren't great, but I'm glad I tried it for myself. Sara Shepard's voice came through, her art of secrets and twists was definitely there.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The story follows 2 ladies, Danny and Rebecca, shifting between their third person points of view, also shifting between past and present day. After high school, the girls had joined a group, ISB, a cult really, headed by a obviously controlling but charmistic man, Ben. At some point, Rebecca leaves, gets married to Tom and has kids. Everything is going well for Rebecca and Tom until Danny shows up on their doorstep one day. All the secrets about her former life Rebecca never told Tom, suddenly come out. And Danny has new secrets for Rebecca.
The characters are all very intense and complex, but in a good way. They're not exhausting or annoying in their intensity. It's hard to figure out who you should like or dislike, everyone making some harsh decisions sometimes. I don't normally listen to fiction audiobooks, I have a hard time following the story, but had no issues with this one. The story flowed well, even going back to the past parts to fill things in. And all the story was filled in so nicely, I didn't feel like anything was left unresolved. The narrator was great and I listened at 1.5x speed and thoroughly enjoyed the whole reading. I love cult stories and this was exactly that, major NXIVM vibes with this one too.
If you're a fan of cult stories, thrillers, or even friendships turned bad (think Pretty Little Liars), give this one a try. I'm not sure why some of the reviews weren't great, but I'm glad I tried it for myself. Sara Shepard's voice came through, her art of secrets and twists was definitely there.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
September 2, 2024
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.
“Gaslight,” co-authored by Miles Joris-Peyrafitte and Sara Shepard, is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the dark and manipulative world of cults, the fragility of human relationships, and the haunting power of the past.
The story centers on Rebecca, who has built a peaceful life in Nevada with her husband, Tom, and their two young children. Her seemingly idyllic existence is shattered when Danny, an old friend from her past, knocks on her door; rapidly sending Rebecca's life into rapid free-fall.
As Rebecca grapples with Danny’s intentions (whether she is seeking escape or attempting to pull Rebecca back into a life of complete control) she finds herself entangled in a web of deception and danger.
Julia Atwood’s narration is a standout feature of this audiobook. Her ability to convey the emotional depth and psychological complexity of the characters adds a layer of intensity to the story, communicating Rebecca's fear, betrayal, and ultimately clarity, perfectly.
Joris-Peyrafitte and Shepard’s writing is taut and evocative, perfectly suited to the audiobook format. Their prose is both descriptive and suspenseful, creating a vivid and immersive listening experience.
“Gaslight” is a timely (politically, in the US) exploration of psychological manipulation and control and the personal battles individuals face when confronting their past.
“Gaslight” is a masterfully crafted thriller that combines the talents of Miles Joris-Peyrafitte and Sara Shepard with Julia Atwood’s exceptional narration.
5 stars from this enthusiastic reviewer; there wasn't anything about this audiobook I DIDN'T enjoy, the tension builds slowly to a fever pitch, as the intelligence, might (and ultimately pure brutal strength and will) of a cult leader and one of his "minions" ultimately culminates in a match between the two for... everything.
“Gaslight,” co-authored by Miles Joris-Peyrafitte and Sara Shepard, is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the dark and manipulative world of cults, the fragility of human relationships, and the haunting power of the past.
The story centers on Rebecca, who has built a peaceful life in Nevada with her husband, Tom, and their two young children. Her seemingly idyllic existence is shattered when Danny, an old friend from her past, knocks on her door; rapidly sending Rebecca's life into rapid free-fall.
As Rebecca grapples with Danny’s intentions (whether she is seeking escape or attempting to pull Rebecca back into a life of complete control) she finds herself entangled in a web of deception and danger.
Julia Atwood’s narration is a standout feature of this audiobook. Her ability to convey the emotional depth and psychological complexity of the characters adds a layer of intensity to the story, communicating Rebecca's fear, betrayal, and ultimately clarity, perfectly.
Joris-Peyrafitte and Shepard’s writing is taut and evocative, perfectly suited to the audiobook format. Their prose is both descriptive and suspenseful, creating a vivid and immersive listening experience.
“Gaslight” is a timely (politically, in the US) exploration of psychological manipulation and control and the personal battles individuals face when confronting their past.
“Gaslight” is a masterfully crafted thriller that combines the talents of Miles Joris-Peyrafitte and Sara Shepard with Julia Atwood’s exceptional narration.
5 stars from this enthusiastic reviewer; there wasn't anything about this audiobook I DIDN'T enjoy, the tension builds slowly to a fever pitch, as the intelligence, might (and ultimately pure brutal strength and will) of a cult leader and one of his "minions" ultimately culminates in a match between the two for... everything.
September 26, 2024
*4.5 Stars On My Instagram Account*
"They find you when you are weak."
Whew! If, like me, you are obsessed with cult documentaries, movies and books, or you love a nail biting escalating tension filled thriller, then Gaslight by the incomparable writing duo of Miles Joris Peyrafitte and Sara Shepard is a must experience.
Rebecca "Bex" has a happy suburban life with her loyal hubby and two young sons. Then a knock on the door begins a trip of nightmare memories and truths that were better left untold.
On the other side of the door is Bex's best friend Danny who she hasn't seen in years since she ran away from the ISB cult. She always meant to come back for Danny but the lies her new life is built on made it feel impossible.
Danny says she needs help and Bex wants to believe her but all the fears, the dangers from the cult leader Ben, leave her with one goal. Get Danny away from her family, especially her oldest son. The one she was pregnant with when she escaped Ben.
Voice actress Julia Atwood has just the right inflections of young Bex and Danny looking to be loved and prime for the gaslighting perfected by Ben.
The authors got it perfect on how these con people get into people's heads:
G is gradual distortion of truth
A is avoiding responsibility and shifting blame
S is sowing doubt
L is lying and manipulating the truth
I is invalidating what you feel and experienced
G is getting you to question your logic and thinking
H is hiding true intentions and maybe more
T is twisting reality to suit the narrative
Sounds a lot like politics. This thriller shows that cults fulfill a need to belong, to be loved, a cry for help. Gaslight is a fun thriller but an even scarier look at those who take advantage of our weaker moments.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from Blackstone Publishing Audiobooks via #NetGalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
"They find you when you are weak."
Whew! If, like me, you are obsessed with cult documentaries, movies and books, or you love a nail biting escalating tension filled thriller, then Gaslight by the incomparable writing duo of Miles Joris Peyrafitte and Sara Shepard is a must experience.
Rebecca "Bex" has a happy suburban life with her loyal hubby and two young sons. Then a knock on the door begins a trip of nightmare memories and truths that were better left untold.
On the other side of the door is Bex's best friend Danny who she hasn't seen in years since she ran away from the ISB cult. She always meant to come back for Danny but the lies her new life is built on made it feel impossible.
Danny says she needs help and Bex wants to believe her but all the fears, the dangers from the cult leader Ben, leave her with one goal. Get Danny away from her family, especially her oldest son. The one she was pregnant with when she escaped Ben.
Voice actress Julia Atwood has just the right inflections of young Bex and Danny looking to be loved and prime for the gaslighting perfected by Ben.
The authors got it perfect on how these con people get into people's heads:
G is gradual distortion of truth
A is avoiding responsibility and shifting blame
S is sowing doubt
L is lying and manipulating the truth
I is invalidating what you feel and experienced
G is getting you to question your logic and thinking
H is hiding true intentions and maybe more
T is twisting reality to suit the narrative
Sounds a lot like politics. This thriller shows that cults fulfill a need to belong, to be loved, a cry for help. Gaslight is a fun thriller but an even scarier look at those who take advantage of our weaker moments.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from Blackstone Publishing Audiobooks via #NetGalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
September 15, 2024
“Gaslight” by Miles Joris-Peyrafitte and Sara Shepard is a chilling psychological thriller that plunges readers into the world of a sinister cult. Drawing on Shepard's expertise in creating suspense and Joris-Peyrafitte's evocative narrative style, the novel expertly explores the complexities of manipulation, power, and belief.
The story’s protagonist finds themselves ensnared in the grips of a creepy cult that operates under the guise of spiritual enlightenment, but sinister motivations quickly bubble beneath the surface. The tension escalates steadily as the protagonist wrestles with questions of trust, loyalty, and reality. The claustrophobic atmosphere of the cult, with its charismatic yet eerie leader, casts a haunting spell over the novel.
What really sets “Gaslight” apart is its ability to create a deep sense of unease while masterfully building suspense. The narrative weaves together the protagonist’s backstory and the present-day horror, offering a glimpse into the psychology of those who are drawn into such dangerous groups. Shepard and Joris-Peyrafitte do a commendable job of portraying the manipulation techniques that cults employ, which adds an authentic touch, though at times it feels a bit predictable.
The character development is solid, and while some of the twists are foreseeable, the compelling writing and disturbing cult dynamics keep readers hooked. Those who enjoy dark, atmospheric thrillers centered on cults will appreciate “Gaslight”, as it dives deep into the psychological impact of such environments without veering into sensationalism.
Overall, “Gaslight” is a thought-provoking and unnerving read, though a few more unpredictable twists could have elevated it even further. Fans of psychological thrillers, especially those with an interest in cult dynamics, will find this book a satisfying and unsettling journey.
September 4, 2024
Thank you to @netgalley and @blackstonepublishing for providing me with an Audible version of this novel.
After reading several dense books, I was looking for something a bit easier to dive into, and this book was exactly what I needed. It offers a fascinating exploration of the inner workings of cults, shedding light on the vulnerability of young minds and the delicate nature of both friendships and marriages.
One of the standout aspects of the novel was the detailed depiction of the cult itself. The author did a remarkable job of immersing the reader in the daily routines, the induction process, and the manipulative techniques employed by the cult leader to brainwash and retain his followers. The depth of insight into these dynamics added a compelling layer to the story.
The narrative unfolds through multiple points of view and shifts between past and present timelines, which provided a well-rounded perspective on the characters and their experiences. However, I did find the repetition of certain events through different characters' perspectives a bit unusual. It didn’t detract significantly from the story but did feel slightly off at times.
Despite this minor flaw, I thoroughly enjoyed watching the characters evolve throughout the novel. Their growth and changing personalities kept me engaged from start to finish. While it may not be a perfect book, it certainly held my attention and kept me eager to see how it would all unfold.
Overall, I recommend this book to anyone looking for a gripping page-turner that keeps you on the edge of your seat. It's an engrossing read that provides both entertainment and insight into the dark allure of cults.
After reading several dense books, I was looking for something a bit easier to dive into, and this book was exactly what I needed. It offers a fascinating exploration of the inner workings of cults, shedding light on the vulnerability of young minds and the delicate nature of both friendships and marriages.
One of the standout aspects of the novel was the detailed depiction of the cult itself. The author did a remarkable job of immersing the reader in the daily routines, the induction process, and the manipulative techniques employed by the cult leader to brainwash and retain his followers. The depth of insight into these dynamics added a compelling layer to the story.
The narrative unfolds through multiple points of view and shifts between past and present timelines, which provided a well-rounded perspective on the characters and their experiences. However, I did find the repetition of certain events through different characters' perspectives a bit unusual. It didn’t detract significantly from the story but did feel slightly off at times.
Despite this minor flaw, I thoroughly enjoyed watching the characters evolve throughout the novel. Their growth and changing personalities kept me engaged from start to finish. While it may not be a perfect book, it certainly held my attention and kept me eager to see how it would all unfold.
Overall, I recommend this book to anyone looking for a gripping page-turner that keeps you on the edge of your seat. It's an engrossing read that provides both entertainment and insight into the dark allure of cults.
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