The Grays of Truth, alludes, I presume, to the shades of truth and the lies that accompany the plot and characters of this book. It is based on a historical series of murders and a trial, rather lengthy and protracted in description, which studies Lady Jane Gray Wharton, a former nurse and chemist. The plot involves multiple murders from poisoning, and Jane Gray's scientific knowledge is invaluable in terms of identifying what happens to her relatives and family members who die unexpected deaths.

The setting of the book is the Reconstruction in Baltimore during the 1860s to the 1870s. Jane Gray also has a background of having been locked up twice in an asylum for being mentally unstable. Her self-examination involves psychological study of her family and friends who are killed, apparently for no reason. Other plots involve infidelity, recondite pools of money, and surprises among the characters, whose familial relationships are not always what they seem.

I found the trial, in particular, to be rather tedious, and Jane's self-asserted, silent thoughts were not always well-connected to the current plot twists. Nonetheless, I learned a lot about chemical compounds and their use in the multiple murders that took place in the book.

I appreciate the author's extensive research concerning the reality of what happened to cause the deaths of the various characters. Her scientific knowledge is also prodigious, and it carefully supports the plot.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

In Reconstruction-era Baltimore, the veneer of high society conceals a web of secrets, scandals, and sinister plots. “The Grays of Truth” plunges readers into a world where elite members mysteriously turn up dead, and the once-innocent Jane Gray Wharton finds herself at the heart of a deadly conspiracy. The novel begins with the sudden death of Jane’s husband, Ned, which she initially accepts without question. However, a subsequent visit to her brother-in-law’s house leaves both Jane and her daughter gravely ill, prompting her to suspect foul play. As a trained chemist and former nurse, Jane’s suspicion is further fueled by a history of delusion and loss, making her struggle to differentiate between reality and paranoia. When a respected army officer falls ill after visiting the Wharton, Jane’s worst fears are confirmed. She must act swiftly, but her credibility is in question due to her past and the societal norms of the 1800s, where women were often dismissed and silenced.

Inspired by true events involving prominent Baltimore families, the novel spans from the mid-1860s to the early 1870s, weaving in meticulously researched historical details. It vividly portrays the challenges faced by women, even those as intelligent and educated as Jane, who had to fight to be heard in a male-dominated society. The medical practices of the time are depicted with harrowing accuracy, underscoring the precariousness of life and health during that era.

“The Grays of Truth” is a compelling tale of murder, intrigue, and the relentless quest for truth and redemption. Jane’s journey is both heart-wrenching and inspiring as she battles to uncover the truth behind the deaths of her loved ones while grappling with her sanity. The narrative keeps readers on edge, questioning the unfolding events and the true nature of the characters involved. With its profound impact and intricate storytelling, “The Grays of Truth” earns a solid 4 out of 5 stars. It captivates readers with its blend of historical context, societal critique, and psychological depth, making it a standout in the crime and thriller genres.

If you love historical fiction, this book is a gem. The story follows a former nurse, Jane Gray, with a deep understanding of chemistry, through the trials of an abusive husband, a history of mental illness, and the trauma of losing multiple family members under suspicious circumstances. She seeks to learn the truth about whether the people she loved were poisoned at the hand of her sister-in-law. However, because of the prominence of the sister-in-laws' Baltimore family, the police will not investigate; and because of Jane's history of mental illness, her family will not believe her claims. Can she prove what happened and prevent more deaths?

This novel is based on the true story of an elite Baltimore family in the reconstruction era. The characters are brilliantly portrayed, and the glimpses into Jane's mind will keep the reader guessing as to what is true and what is a fantasy of an unhealthy mind.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to Netgalley and Flashpoint Books for the ebook arc. All opinions are my own.

As a historical thriller, this book wasn't too bad. It kept me guessing and threw some twists and turns at me that I didn't expect, but a lot of it was predictable. I find it odd that this is essentially fanfiction of events that happened to real people. The author could have just been inspired by the crime and written something similar, but she ends up using actual names and even inventing people to add to the suspense. The writing was also very heavy handed and excessive. This book would've been a lot shorter if the very large amount of unnecessary lines in this book had been shaved off.

First of all thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the advanced copy of the book in return for my honest opinion.

Based on a true story about this is a book about family betrayal and revenge set in post Civil War America. I was not sure if I was going to like this book however was pleasantly surprised . The story was really easy to read and connect with and you were never sure which of the main female characters were telling the truth . Kept you guessing throughout. Would highly recommend. 4.25 stars

This one is a blast! Virts recreates a striving society worthy of the Borgias in 1870's Washington. We have infidelity, forbidden love, death-dealing on a grand scale, and a realistic look at the status of women in late-19th Century America. The best part is that the story is based on truth.

Jane Gray has been shattered by her betrothed's breaking off of the engagement. Defeated and depressed she's married off to an abusive martinet. Her one solace beyond her daughter is her exploration of chemistry. When family members and friends begin dying in her sister-in-law's home, Jane becomes suspicious. Since Jane, herself, has been institutionalized twice, her fears are treated as a return of her delusions.

We're given Civil War heroes, society matrons, undisclosed loans, and a laundry list of motives for murder. But Jane is more likely to end up back in an institution than solving the crime.

4.5⭐️

I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and Sharon Virts for allowing me to review this book!

This is the first book I have read from Sharon Virts and I thoroughly enjoyed it! This book is well written and includes historically factual elements, which helps highlight the secrets and scandals of the time.
For me, this book highlights that your past doesn’t control your future, that no matter your circumstances in life, you should never stop fighting for your redemption!

I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH. I RATED THIS BOOK 4 STARS AND I RECOMMEND EVERYONE TO READ THIS AMAZING STORY.

This is the first novel that has truly made me question the unfolding events and circumstances within the story. Despite feeling irritated by the characters, I found myself unable to put it down.

I would give this story a solid 4 out of 5. It took me by surprise with its profound impact. While I've always favored nonfiction, this narrative has made me appreciate the depth of such literature.

The narrative begins in a somber setting in Baltimore, where one character has passed away, and the others are entangled in their roles connected to the deceased. Each situation gradually reveals more about the characters' personalities. The story takes a dark turn as characters begin to succumb to death, without a clear antagonist in sight. Jane Warton, a former nurse and skilled chemist, who battles delirium, grief, and hysteria due to past traumas, becomes deeply involved. As the deaths of her loved ones mount, she tries to decipher the antagonist. Her grasp on sanity weakens, her fears materialize, and she finds herself isolated in her beliefs. The question arises: Can she even trust her own mind?

The narrative delves into the societal themes of the 1800s, exploring high society and its dark underbelly. It touches upon illicit affairs, financial corruption, and the complexities of human desire.

What sets this story apart is its inspiration from real events in Baltimore. While it contains some sexual content to better portray the character connections, and occasional profanity, it does so without sparking religious controversy. I recommend it to fans of crime and thriller genres. My reading experience with this story was truly enjoyable.

The story is exceptionally well-crafted, devoid of any plot discrepancies that might irk readers. It maintains a smooth flow, gradually unfolding its events to allow readers to fully comprehend the narrative. I noticed no grammatical errors and found the world-building to be immaculate.

While the story is well researched in terms of timeline and events relating to the trial of Elizabeth (Ellen) Wharton, the characters suffer a severe lack of personality. Jane Wharton hears ghosts as a convenient way to address the hysteria and the mental illness, but that only helps me recognise her as a character. The other characters in the story blur into one, so it takes a lot of focus to follow the murder/ historical fiction.
The ending was not surprising, but I was unimpressed. Sure, I know Ellen may or may not be guilty, but the ending, just shoving someone who doesn't show up a lot, is disorientating.
I did not enjoy The Grays of Truth because it just lead me around and around, then just drop me off without saying goodbye.

well-written and researched. Also, this historical setting isn't used often so it's refreshing to read about. I liked how in the end the differences with real life are highlighted. I also liked to see how different society was back then from today. Jane is relatable to. Also, anyone could understand her search for the truth. Would recommend to historical fiction or mystery and thriller readers.

“The Grays of Truth” by Sharon Virts is a gripping historical true-crime novel that delves into murder, deceit, and the hidden secrets of Baltimore’s elite during the Reconstruction era.

Beneath the polished facade of high society, there lies a web of illicit affairs, jilted lovers, financial struggles, and countless motives for murder.

When Jane Gray Wharton’s husband, Ned, dies unexpectedly while visiting his brother’s home, Jane initially accepts the circumstances. However, when both Jane and her daughter fall gravely ill during a subsequent visit to the same house, she begins to suspect foul play.

The Grays of Truth follows Jane’s quest for answers, redemption, and her fight to save the man she loves.The author dissects the polished veneer of high society, revealing a web of illicit affairs, betrayal, and murder.

Sharon Virts weaves a tale of intrigue and suspense against the backdrop of post-Civil War Baltimore.The novel invites readers to explore the dark secrets lurking beneath the glittering facade of the city’s elite.The Grays of Truth delves into the complexities of trust, power, and redemption.

The narrative unfolds like a puzzle, with each revelation adding to the suspense.Sharon Virts masterfully explores the psychological turmoil faced by Jane Gray Wharton.The novel skillfully balances historical context with a gripping mystery.