A little gothic mystery is all one needs in this family drama. With two unique sisters reuniting to pull off one more con. As they work their con as a spirit medium a darker menacing spirit awaits them. They con others into believing in the spirit world to make some money but when an interesting spirit does come it is a roller coaster ride of dark deep secrets. The setting is captivating as Paris in 1866 comes to life before you. An outstanding debut novel from Camella Lowkis! Thanks to NetGalley, Randon House UK, and Transworld Publishers for this wonderful read.

This is a haunting story of two sisters, employed as spirit mediums who help families connect with their departed loved ones. There's just one catch. They're frauds. They know all the tricks to convince their clients their dead family members are haunting them.

When the book begins, Sylvie has left her life as a spirit medium and is now married to a baron. She does not want her husband to know of her questionable past employment. When her sister, Charlotte, visits her asking for one last job Sylvie finds herself agreeing. Little do the sisters know what a mess they are about to find themselves in.

The first part of the book was from Sylvie's point of view. The tricks they used to convince the "haunted" family were fascinating. All is going well, until Slyvie starts to wonder if there is really a sinister spirit haunting the family.

The second part tells the same events from Charlotte's point of view. It was interesting to see how differently everything played out. Reading Charlotte's version brings much of the plot to light and it was pretty intriguing to see it all come together.

I liked the dark and gothic tones of this book. The characters were all pretty unlikable, but it gave the overall book a sinister feel. I really enjoyed it.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Atria Books for the opportunity to read this book.

Always love a good gothic fiction, especially when it features sapphic romances. I wanted to love this book so much, but unfortunately it did not hold my attention as much as I had hoped and kind of lost a lot of interest by the end of the book and found myself just wanting to finish it. I loved the characters and the setting - I mean mediums in Paris? c'mon what's not to love!

First, a thank you to Net Galley and the publisher, Atria Books, for the eARC. This one is a journey through 1866 Paris, telling a tale of two distanced sisters and the complexities of their relationships. While it had a slow start, it gradually unfolded into a captivating story of intrigue and sisterhood. Initially, the societal musings and relationships felt mundane. As the narrative progressed, I began to feel drawn into their lives, particularly the main protagonist. The shift in perspective in part two adds a dual exploration of the sisters' contrasting viewpoints. Seeing the world through the eyes of each sister and unraveling the mysteries beneath the surface was so well done and made part two a pleasure to read. The gradual pace was offset by the plot intrigue, where I was eventually engaged and invested in uncovering the truth. It wasn’t a quick read for me, but the payoff in part two makes it worth persevering through the slower moments of part one. It is a story that rewards patience and one with a layered exploration of sisterhood, mystery, and the complexities of human relationships. I don’t think it’s a book to rush out and buy, but it is worth picking up if you come across it.

4.5 Sometimes you pick up a book at the perfect time! I absolutely was here for this tale of two con artists spirit medium sisters coming back together for one last con. The sisters’ lives have diverged- one married rich and lives in luxury while the other is in their family home just getting by while taking care of their sick father.

We get a POV shift about halfway through that seems to have been where a lot of readers struggled, but after the initial surprise I thought this worked well. I do wish we would have just picked up in the timeline where the first POV left off instead of rehashing all the prior events from this POV. But this wasn’t too large of an issue for me.

The plot took me by surprise a few times, and other things were predictable. But this was overall a FUN time and I was engaged and interested the entire time. The historical setting was the icing on the cake. This also had some discussion of good vs bad in people and how we can be both at once. Both sisters have their flaws but show their love for each other by the end.

This was a great gothic novel. I originally thought it was going to be a fun heist type of book but it went deeper (and creepier) than that. I don’t want to spoil the second half of the book but I thought it was an excellent addition and really made it feel like a Victorian gothic. Loved the sapphic romance element as well!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Rating: 4 Stars

This was such an unexpected surprise! I knew the premise intrigued me, but the opening chapters felt a bit... stiff. I didn't super connect to Sylvie, and I felt like she was hiding something from the reader.

Turns out that she was! There were some fun twists I didn't see coming, and the second half of the book FLEW. This book was a mystery meets paranormal thriller meets family drama... it had a bit of everything, and I really enjoyed it.

I didn't end up adding it on to my BOTM box, but I think it will be a favorite of readers this month!

Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC of this book. My review is all my own.

I enjoyed this book! This debut novel captured my attention and brought me to 19th century Paris (and I love reading historical fiction set in Paris!).

Sylvie and Charlotte have a history of working as spirit mediums. Now Sylvie is married to a Baron and has put this seedy part of her life behind her. Then Charlotte appears and persuades her to help in one more charade. A perfect historical set-up, if you ask me.

The Good: I really enjoyed the writing. It kept me engaged and brought me right to Paris. Even though this is not historical fantasy, there was plenty of world building. Twists keep twisting. I really liked how the book is in two parts, in which each sister gets one, It was genuinely pretty funny at times. I didn't like the sisters throughout most of the story and I am positive that was by design - this is something I can appreciate.

The Bad: And I guess this one may be on me.. But I genuinely thought this book was supposed to have elements of magical realism. It does not. I am not sure if I it was marketed as such or if I just drew my own conclusions but this is just historical fiction, not historical fantasy. A gothic mystery, at best.

This had such potential because of the topic, mediums, spirits and the time period which is usually my favorite type of read. This started off strong but did not hold my attention.
Thank you to NetGalley and Carmella Lowkis for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC.
3.5 stars

3.5 stars rounded up. This book started off strong but I found myself losing interest as it went on.

The premise sounded interesting. Estranged con artist sisters pulling one last job? It sounded right up my alley, especially since it had a gothic, sapphic, historical twist.

I definitely liked the premise and thought the writing and characters were decent. The story itself grabbed me right away. It just didn't hold my attention as much as I would've liked.

I read an ARC of this book from NetGalley. All comments are my own.

A pair of estranged sisters reunite for one last deception in this delightfully haunting gothic mystery.

Are you toads or gold?
We are transported to 19th century Paris where two sisters, Charlotte and Sylvie, reunite as spiritists to help a family plagued with a ghost.

We follow two POVs:

Sylvie- recently married to a wealthy husband. She has isolated her family in order to keep her status and marriage.

Charlotte- needs Sylvie’s help to banish-maybe- this “ghost”. Sapphic and a hopeless romantic. Bless her.

This story was immersive, beautifully written, funny and satisfying until the very end. It is about family and sisterhood, bonds that hold us together even when we are riddled with trauma and heartache. All of the side characters were full of life with their own backstories and voice. I love Florence so so so much. What a strong lady.
Seriously can’t believe this is the author’s debut. So good and one that will stick with me for a long time.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher who provided me with an ebook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All of these thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Carmella Lowkis for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Spitting Gold coming out May 14, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I think I agree with a few of the reviews I read. I loved the first part, but the second part of the book wasn’t as interesting to me. Charlotte wasn’t as likable as Sylvie. I think it took away from really enjoying the first half of the book. The time and setting were perfect. I love books about spirit mediums and the afterlife. I was just hoping for something a little different.

In 1866 Paris, Sylvie is drawn back into her hidden past as a spirit medium. Her sister, Charlotte, asks for help amidst their father’s illness and financial struggles. A wealthy, dysfunctional aristocratic family is seeking to exorcise a haunting spirit. But as eerie occurrences plague them, Sylvie wonders if they’re truly dealing with a vengeful ghost.

I loved this atmospheric book. The characters are compelling and the plot engrossing. I don’t think the good sister / bad sister angle worked particularly well—if anything, it made both characters less sympathetic. The switch in PoV in the middle of the book made the point on its own. Still, the book is exactly what I’m looking for in gothic mystery.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

A debut historical mystery that I’ve seen compared to if Practical Magic and PennyDreadful had a baby and now that I’ve read it, I AGREEl. The story follows two con women who have one last thing to do before they can move on with their lives and this is helping an aristocratic French family learn the truth of their ancestor's murder. This had such a prominent spooky side to it with ouija boards and Salem vibes which I personally loved. Enjoyed the heck out of this!

Carmella Lowkis' debut novel 'Spitting Gold' is a mesmerizing plunge into the gothic depths of 19th-century Paris, where deceit and the supernatural twirl in a dance of captivating suspense. The tale of Sylvie and Charlotte, two estranged sisters and erstwhile spirit mediums, reunites under the grim shadow of desperation and familial duty, spiraling into a complex web of deception.

The narrative excels in atmosphere, enveloping the reader in a mist of eerie Parisian streets and the opulent yet sinister interiors where the sisters ply their dubious trade. Lowkis crafts her scenes with a deft hand, ensuring each setting resonates with a sense of foreboding and decadence that is quintessentially gothic.

As the sisters embark on their final con, the story takes a compelling turn—the introduction of actual supernatural occurrences alongside their fabricated haunts blurs the lines between reality and trickery. This interplay is one of the book's strongest suits, as it keeps the reader guessing about the true nature of the threats the sisters face.

However, the book is not without its flaws. While the plot is tightly woven in its complexity, the pacing occasionally falters, particularly in the second half where the narrative shifts to Charlotte's perspective. This section, though crucial for revealing key backstory elements and twists, feels somewhat slower and less engaging than Sylvie's more dynamic viewpoint.

The character development of Sylvie and Charlotte is another highlight. Lowkis successfully portrays both sisters with depth and nuance, making their fraught relationship the emotional core of the story. Their interactions, laden with past grievances and a tenuous bond of sisterhood, add a rich layer to the narrative.

In conclusion, 'Spitting Gold' is a commendable debut, brimming with gothic elements and a sapphic romance that adds a modern twist to the historical setting. While it may tread familiar ground in the genre, it does so with enough flair and originality to stand out. A solid four-star read, perfect for fans of Sarah Waters and Sarah Penner, looking for a story of dark pasts and darker secrets.

In the atmospheric setting of Paris in 1866, Baroness Sylvie Devereux finds herself drawn into a web of intrigue and deception when she agrees to a house-call from her estranged sister, Charlotte Mothe. Little does Sylvie know, this decision will unearth buried secrets from her past as a spirit medium, potentially bringing her shady history to light.

The sisters' latest mark is the dysfunctional de Jacquinot family, who fervently believe they are haunted by their deceased great-aunt. Despite one family member's skepticism, Sylvie and Charlotte aim to exploit their fears to secure their wealth. However, as they delve deeper into the eerie occurrences, they soon find themselves confronted by chilling manifestations that defy explanation.

As the line between reality and illusion blurs, Sylvie and Charlotte must confront not only the mysterious forces at play but also the secrets that threaten to unravel their carefully constructed facades. With one sister seemingly able to conjure gold while the other summons frogs, determining the truth becomes increasingly complex.

"Spitting Gold" is a captivating and gothic-infused tale, brimming with suspense and sapphic romance. Set against the backdrop of a haunted Parisian landscape, this dark and addictive narrative immerses readers in a world where nothing is as it seems, and secrets lurk in every shadow.

The time? 1866. The place? Paris. Sylvie Devereaux is a baroness living in financial comfort with a husband who adores her. It's everything she could have ever wanted. Of course, it came at the cost of cutting all ties with her family. In her former life, Sylvie worked with her sister as a spiritist, holding seances and earning money by conning wealthy Parisians. But she's left that behind.
Until her sister Charlotte approaches her with the idea of one last con, to support the doctor's bills for their dying father. Together, they fall back into their old practices, but not all the hauntings at the de Jacquinot house are being caused by the sisters.
The drama in this book was great. All the characters, despite most not being very likable, were fleshed out and felt like they had real motivations. It was well-written, and the suspense in the first half is very good.
All in all, a very satisfying historical fiction.

Estranged sisters revive their fraudulent medium act for one final con, wherein nothing is as it seems.

This book is such a vibe from the first eerie figure in the rain to its final percussive aftershocks from one last horrifying revelation. I see quite a few comparisons to Sarah Penner's The London Seance Society, but I believe Lowkis is more effective at crafting Gothic horrors.

A word of warning to the folks called to its "sapphic romance" advertisement though -- not only does this romance only appear in the book's latter half, it is not a period drama fantasy, but rather a story deeply rooted in the realistic social and legal obstacles that faced same sex couples in the 19th century.

It's a thematically strong book, exploring duality and illusions of many kinds. A very skillful debut.

Set in 19th century Pairs, Spitting Gold, follows sisters Sylvie and Charlotte as they serve as spirit mediums to the wealthy. It’s been two years since, Sylvie left home and married a Baron, and as a Lady she has put her spirit medium past away. That is until Charlotte finds her and convinces her to take on one last job. But will this last job ruin everything Sylvie has worked for?

This book is not a fantasy read and sticks strongly to the historical fiction genre. With that said, I will say I expected more magic and fantasy within these pages, which put me at a disadvantage when reading the story. Another case of incorrect expectations for me.

While the writing and world building (19th century Paris) were descriptive and done well, those were the only two aspects I thoroughly enjoyed about our story. I didn’t find either sister to be particularly interesting or never found myself connecting to them. From a POV perspective, the book is split between Sylvie and Charlotte’s narration. When I say split, I mean almost exactly the first 50% of the story is from Sylvie’s view and the second is from Charlotte’s viewpoint. The perspectives are not interwoven, and it felt jarring to switch so immediately and without warning. It just didn’t work for me.

This story had amazing potential and while the writing was nice, it never turned into a compulsive read. I never found myself fully immersed into the plot, connected to our characters, and overall, just needed more from it. In defense of the story, the gothic genre isn’t always for me and while there was a good twist I did enjoy, Spitting Gold was an unremarkable read for me. Plenty of other reviews are loving it though so if you enjoy more gothic and atmospheric mysteries then this might be up your alley.


Spitting Gold comes out May 14, 2024. Thank you to Atria for my advanced copies in exchange for my review. If you liked this review, please let me know either by commenting below or by visiting my Instagram @speakingof.books.