Review of 'The Glass Key' by Amanda Geard

Review of 'The Glass Key' by Amanda Geard

Release date: June 18th, 2026

Publisher: Headline Review

REVIEW

With The Glass Key, Amanda Geard has once again written another epic, complex, richly layered mystery that swept through my heart like a firestorm and made me weep. This is a story of love, sacrifice, loss, war, guilt, alienation and restoration—just to name a few. It is steeped in breathtaking settings, moody atmosphere, generational secrets, identity plot twists and intriguing characters, that will hold your attention to the last page. There are events you won’t see coming and characters that will surprise you. Your heart will race faster with the twists and turns and daring acts. And then, after all that, you will feel the pain of souls in bitter conflict.

I have thought long and hard of what to say about The Glass Key— as due to the nature of it, one could easily give away information that should be reserved for the reader. So I will delicately walk through a few points so as not to spoil the experience. (Don’t ask me why but my poetic mind can picture cat footprints in the snow!) I hope to lure readers to pick this up once the winds of curiosity blow your way with a few crumbs I will share. I decided to say just a little to entice those who may not have read Amanda’s books before. Because those who have, will need no convincing.

First I can say it is evident The Glass Key was born of the author’s passion for the locations and topics dear to her heart. (Amanda shares in her notes at the back, her own experience of landing on and then owning an island one hundred kilometres north of the Arctic Circle). Throughout the story, I could feel the deep emotion, the agony and ecstasy, that birthed this beautiful tale. Profound serious characterisation development and exceptional descriptions of a beloved Nordic island are delivered with such sensitivity, that it is obvious nature and human experiences and temperaments are intricately woven together. We get to know each person with their fears and dreams in a changing landscape. But that does not mean we can figure out easily what direction they will head when trials come.

The novel is told in two timelines that flow seamlessly, transitioning well, supplying various aspects of the plot: where one revelation/moment starts in the present and then shifts over to the past continuing the story. One thread set in Occupied Norway, paints a vivid picture of how difficult it was for residents. The Irish landscape also weaves its magical spell, too, for the modern timeline contains a house of mystery and secrets.

I also loved the use of Maggie’s grandmother’s beautiful and tragic Nordic fairytale, The Glass Key. Maggie grew up in Ireland hearing this haunting story. Then one stormy night, Anna Swan suddenly left her home. Nobody knew what happened to her. After Maggie’s grandfather dies, she finds a letter that sets her world spinning. She must uncover the truth for her mother’s sake. This quest begins by travelling to Norway. Through various avenues and people, Maggie unravels the mystery that is connected to WW2 and four brave women. This knowledge sets her mother’s heart free to heal and they are able to ‘unlock the mystery of the glass key.’

The Glad Key is very much a relationship story that explores the many kinds of love there are and the sacrifices some will make. What lengths would you go, what sacrifices would you make, to save another that meant the world to you? Expect there will be great pain. Labour of epic proportions. And tears.

The Glass Key cuts to the bone, carves out your heart but then slowly pieces you back together again. It is raw, honest and earth-shaking. With Maggie at the helm of this quest, her mother receives answers that lead to emotional healing. The finale is powerful. It delivers restoration. As we sail on a ship of hope, through a channel of trials, with these beloved characters to the isle of their dreams, the journey ends on the shores of peace, joy and forgiveness. A beautiful, unforgettable story steeped in passion, promise and pain that leaves behind a legacy of light, love and liberty. I was fixed to the pages and tears constantly welled up in my eyes. I cannot praise this novel enough and highly recommend it. 5 Golden Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 Thanks to Headline Review and Netgalley for a review copy.