This book. This freakin’ book.

Kathleen Kaufman grabbed me by the soul with The Entirely True Story of the Fantastical Mesmerist Nora Grey and did not let go.

Set in the grimy, gaslit corners of early 1900s Scotland and America, this story is dripping with gothic vibes, real psychic powers, and the kind of simmering feminine rage that makes you want to punch a Victorian doctor in the face. (And maybe also gently knock over a candle during a séance. (For
drama.)

We follow Nairna Liath, a girl with very real gifts, trying to survive in a world that mostly wants to exploit and silence her. And layered underneath her story is the haunting thread of her grandmother Lottie — institutionalized after standing up to a bully, and kept there because her unexplainable gifts made her dangerous to the wrong people. The way Kaufman weaves past and present together? *Chef’s kiss*. Utterly seamless. It aches in all the right places.

The writing? Atmospheric and lush without ever getting bogged down. You feel the mist rolling in. You feel the heavy, restless energy at the edges of every room. It’s so easy to get lost in it — in the best, most chilling way.

If you’re into slow-burn magic, righteous female fury, actual supernatural gifts (not just "is she or isn’t she?"), and stories that feel a little like getting wrapped up in a cursed velvet blanket... this book is your next obsession.

Big thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Some stories haunt you because they’re true in all the ways that matter. This is one of them.

This is a story with one foot in the 1900s of our world and another in the mystical. it is written as a historical account but discusses the experiences of fictional psychics. So, a little historical fiction and fantasy hybrid. Thematically, I imagine this would appeal to dark academia fantasy readers (Atlas Six, Ninth House, etc.)

I really liked the ending. It's touching, very mystical, a little spooky, and the end result ultimately fits the characters.

Unfortunately, I did struggle through most of the story. I'm having a hard time putting my finger on exactly why. I think I maybe just found it a little slow and was having a hard time getting invested. It is also different from what I have been reading. I like both fantasy and historical fiction, so it's definitely not off brand, but I haven't been picking up historical fiction recently, so it might be... off mood if you will.

After reading a different book by Kathleen Kaufman, I immediately searched to find more of her books. I was delighted to see that she has a new book!. I don't know how she does it, but she writes scenes that are so memorable without being overly descriptive. I've read many books with Spiritualism during the Victorian era and many times I am let down with the plot.
This book gets it right. The spirit guide angle was very unique. The dual timelines have just the right amount of historical fiction, magical realism, and creepy supernatural.

I was excited to read this book but it ended up just being okay for me. I didn't really like the main characters. Readable but not great. Other will love it, I think it just wasn't the right fit for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington for allowing me to read this book in advance of its publication in exchange of an honest review.
I have always been fond of themes such as female rage, young women emancipating themselves from men, spiritualism in the Victorian era and the supernatural. So, on paper, this book had nothing not to be liked. Unfortunately this wasn't the case. Don't get me wrong, it was a pleasant read: it kept its promises on the themes stated above, but the thing is, it didn't add anything new to the genre. The writing was fairly simple, the connections between the two female MCs was almost farfetched in that, since the theme allows for a lot of freedom, I felt like the author didn't bother to provide for even an hypothesis regarding how the two get in touch. The rest was same old same old: I expected more historic insights on the period chosen as background, more well rounded characters (one searches for independence and the other is struck by grief, and it's all that's said about them, not much more)... What I liked most was Nairna (Nora)'s relationship with her father and how it evolved (not much, but at least somewhat) during the course of the story in light of a certain discovery I won't spoil.

Nairna Liath never thought she has talent other than being the con duo with her dad, Tavish. Her life is a performance, even when the audience believes she can float and communicate with spirits. It changes after she is discovered by Edinburg spiritualists that she does actually have everything to be a perfect medium, that she's the next big thing in bringing the impossible. And so she moves far away to America to meet greater spiritualists with her new identity: Nora Grey. Will her life change to be better once more? Or will it be more doomed instead?

This work is, like the title, fantastic and mesmerizing. It reminds me a bit of <i>The Queen's Gambit</i> where women are the focus. We follow Nairna's journey as she grows from a little girl to a young woman, scared to independent, having her voice unheard and repressed to helping others. The immersive description of late 1800s Scotland and America breathes life to the story, and honestly it's my favorite part. Rather than taking typical horror angle with supernatural being as the main object, it instead heavily leans on curiosity-filled, deliciously creepy atmosphere and depiction of decades-long female rage, making it dimensional, rich, and empathetic.

Nairna/Nora as the protagonist shows her strength realistically, with doubts and loathe and love at the same time, especially when it comes to her relationship with her father. I personally connected to her more than other POV, Lottie. I loved that we also get to know what it's like on the other side, with a twist that extend the horror/supernatural trope (I liked this twist so much), but I'm not sure if Lottie's perspective was intentionally made to be more distant. It still fits the theme after all, and is enjoyable plus very important to tell. Nairna's story won't be and feel the same without Lottie's story.

The Entirely True Story of the Fantastical Mesmerist Nora Grey gave me reading experience unlike anything I've read, and I'm happy this book has been on my hand. The cover is gorgeous (I fell in love with it at the first sight), the theme is relevant to this day, and the thrilling vibe is suitable for readers who are looking for a Halloween read that's literary-upmarket leaning. Thank you to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book.

I loved it, I was (let's say it) mesmerized by the story, and the pages flew easily. The chapters are really short, giving it a very good rythm in the reading while still having a medium pacing.

I loved both Nairna/Nora and Lottie, following both of their stories. I really weren't expecting the way they both were connected, how they experienced it from both sides, their discoveries, the way to be in contact - and it's frustrating not to talk more about it as it'd be too much of a spoiler.

Nora's story, her growth both as a girl and a mesmerist, were really interesting. I really enjoyed seeing her grow slowly, building her self-confidence, starting deciding for herself. Her ending was really a good twist, while predictable, it's satisfying.
Lottie's story is more difficult, sadly on of that time's "advancing science" victim. It's more heartwrenching, what she experienced was disgusting while still not showing much of it, Lottie's feelings and hopelessness about it was hard.

Their connexion, the story's climax, the ending: everything was perfect to me.
I really think this is my first biggest favorite book for this year!

I was immediately immersed in this story. I love historical fiction, but mixing it with magical realism took this book to another level for me. The plot alternates between Nora and Lottie-- two women connected through their abilities and bloodline-- and when I say connected, I mean CONNECTED!!! In so many ways, both satisfying and poignant. As their connection came to an end, I found myself uncontrollably emotional.

I absolutely loved everything about this book and will absolutely purchase a physical copy for my growing "library."

However, if I had anything further to ask of the book-- I would've liked to hear more between Nora and her father in the end. There was so much I wanted him and her to say to each other, to discuss, to feel. The book was great without, but I could've cried a bit more, felt a bit more connection, if this would've been fleshed out a bit more.

he Entirely True Story of the Fantastical Mesmerist Nora Grey is an immersive blend of historical fiction and magical realism, set against the backdrop of early 20th-century spiritualism. The novel follows two women whose lives intersect in unexpected ways as they navigate a world that seeks to limit their independence and ambitions.

With dual timelines woven seamlessly together, the story enhances both perspectives, creating a compelling and emotionally rich narrative. The characters are thoughtfully developed, and their journeys explore themes of female empowerment, societal expectations, and the fascination with the supernatural.

The novel brings the historical setting to life with meticulous attention to detail, capturing an era where science and mysticism coexisted in a delicate balance. The pacing allows for both intrigue and character growth, keeping the reader engaged while building layers of tension and discovery.

This book stands out as a thought-provoking and enchanting read, offering a unique take on historical events through a lens of magical realism. With its well-crafted storytelling and powerful themes, it is an excellent choice for readers drawn to stories of resilience, mystery, and the unexplained.

The Entirely True Story of the Fantastical Mesmerist Nora Grey is historical fiction mixed with paranormal and horror aspects. It is a dual timeline story split between the mid- and the late nineteenth century. Kathleen Kaufman is a story about two women who share a psychical connection across time as they fight for survival against those who seek to exploit their gifts.

Tavish Laith travels the Scottish countryside hawking his daughter’s psychic abilities to eke outa precarious living for the two of them. Eventually the daughter, Nairna, is recruited into a Scottish spiritualist group who hone her skills and introduce her to various psychic institutions who are eager to study her abilities. She causes such a to-do that she is sent to America. There, she is renamed Nora Grey and is again studied by various psychic groups.

Nairna’s psychic skill is inherited from her pregnant paternal grandmother, Lottie, who, when her husband is killed in a mining accident, tries to get the compensation for his death that she is entitled to. Instead, she is whisked away to an insane asylum where she is experimented on by the so-called physicians that run the asylum. The two women become each other’s spirit guides.

The Entirely True Story is a harsh look at the lack of women’s rights or medical rights during the nineteenth century as well as the fascination with spiritualism.

This fascinating novel—dual-time historical with a fantastical overlay, based in part on the life of the author’s great-grandfather, a nineteenth-century charlatan—follows the career of a young Scotswoman named Nairna Liath. When we meet her in 1900, Nora, sixteen years old, travels the Scottish countryside at the insistence of her father, Tavish, who supports himself and his daughter by hawking her supposed skills as a medium—expressed through his own mangled Gaelic mixed with a series of parlor tricks that Nairna has mastered. But we soon find out that the joke’s on Tavish: Nairna really does have psychic talents, especially in reading Tarot cards. Her ability attracts attention from the Society for Psychical Research, setting Nairna on her path to become the spiritualist Nora Grey.

Her tale is intertwined with (in fact, propelled by) that of Nairna’s grandmother, Lottie Liath, in the 1860s. Lottie has just lost her husband in a coal mining accident, and when she protests the lack of financial support provided by the uncaring mine administration, the manager has her arrested and thrown in jail. From there, the pregnant Lottie ends up in an asylum. And it’s the asylum, where she is subjected to psychic experiments, that brings her increasingly into conversation with Nora.

The tale is rich in drama—both tragedy and comedy—as well as rapid switches of identity accompanied by pseudo news reports from various types of sources that illuminate Nora’s and Lottie’s stories in various ways. It’s tremendous fun and heartbreaking at the same time, and it’s best just to suspend disbelief and go with the flow. If you do, I guarantee you will love every minute of this story.

I plan to interview this author for the New Books Network (link below) in August, not long after the book appears.

A fantastic book that drew me in right from the very start and kept me in its clutches until the very end. I couldn't put it down and read it in one sitting

Haunting, chilling, reflective.

Dual timelines, both essentially in the 19th Century and the realm of spiritualism split between Wales, Scotland and the US.

Nairna Liath, a teenager in the 1890’s travels Scotland with her charlatan father, reading cards, making ‘contact’ with spirits for those desperately seeking hope and living from their paltry earnings and scans. Almost by chance Nairna is taken in by the outrageously wealthy Edinburgh spiritualists and impresses them with her skills enough to head to Boston as Nora Grey, channeling the spirit of Lottie Liath.

Lottie Liath, a young widow in 1860’s Wales, imprisoned in an asylum, both a feisty human and an even more feisty spirit.

As Nora and Lottie collide in both their worlds, we’re treated to an incredibly heart wrenching journey.

Gorgeously told, terrifying for both women and a real immersion in the spiritualist world. Not usually a genre I’d read, nor a world I know nothing about. A highly recommended 5 star read.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Kensington Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Such an incredibly beautiful and detailed book following two women that share a connection as they try and fight the ones that try to control their psychic gifts. The heart-wrenching information about the abuse that is subjected on those in spiritual groups was oh so sad, and the way that greed, control, and fame led to them being exploited just sickened me to no end. Such a powerful story, unlike any that I have ever read before and I know that this book will stick with me for a long time to come

Rating: 5/5*

The Entirely True Story of the Fantastical Mesmerist Nora Grey is a satisfying stand-alone historical fiction with strongly presented magical realism. It expertly blends tragedy and hope while granting a voice and power to feminine rage and the victims of unjust captivity in cruel mental asylums.

Each character was robust, and I was increasingly invested in their development as the story progressed.

Structurally, the story combines two interrelated timelines, as in The Square of Sevens.

If you enjoyed The Square of Sevens or want a shorter answer in a similar style, The Museum of Extraordinary Things or The Unmaking of June Farrow this book is perfect for you.

This book said, “What if spiritualism, feminine rage, and the gothic asylum aesthetic had a séance?” And I said, “Take my money.”

Kathleen Kaufman weaves a darkly mesmerizing tale of a Scottish girl with a real connection to the spirit world (and a charlatan father who just wishes he did). The turn-of-the-century setting is deliciously eerie—think tarot cards, shadowy corridors, and ghostly whispers in a place that definitely should be condemned. If you love books that make you want to light a candle, put on a flowy dress, and mutter about The Patriarchy, this one’s for you.

Perfect for fans of Sarah Penner and Alice Hoffman, this is historical fiction with a supernatural twist—and just the right amount of vengeance.

The Entirely True Story of the Fantastical Mesmerist Nora Grey by Kathleen Kaufman is a story about two women who share a psychical connection across time as they fight for survival against those who seek to exploit their gifts.

Nairna Laith travels the Scottish countryside with her charlatan father contacting the dead and reading cards to earn a meagre living. Unbeknownst to her father, Nairna possesses a real psychical gift which catches the attention of a spiritualist group who recruits Nairna into their society where she will hone her gifts and become well known as Nora Grey within the spiritual community. Nora's gift is inherited from her grandmother, a woman who was exploited and locked away in an asylum, experimented on for her abilities. Lottie contacts Nora through time to help her navigate the world of fame and exploitation, empowering Nora to fight for her freedom. Lottie's tragic story will inspire Nora to leave the world of spiritualism behind and live life on her own terms all the while helping Lottie to pass on to the otherside.

This was a heart wrenching story about the abusive nature of spiritualism in the mid to late nineteenth century. Women with psychical gifts were enslaved for their gifts and in the case of Lottie, were held against their will in institutions where they were experimented on. Greed, fame, and control were the motivating factors for those seeking to exploit both genuine and fake talents. I thought it was ingenious to have Lottie, Nora's grandmother be her spirit guide, and Nora be Lottie's spirit guide in her future visions. I have never read a story like this before and I really liked how the idea of inherited psychic gifts was told in this way, with a grandmother and granddaughter being each other's spirit guides. The author's detail and historical research is evident throughout the entire book, which made me feel as though I were sitting in on one of the seances, getting a peek behind the veil of the time and place of the spiritualism movement.

It was fascinating to read about the spiritualism craze in the 1800s from the perspective of two characters who were victimized by it in different ways. Nora experienced it from the business side while Lottie experienced it from the medical side. The story felt rooted in something real, I feel that there probably was a real Nora Grey, just like there probably was a real Lottie Liath. Its their experiences and truths of the their grueling ordeals that are the haunting ghosts of the dark side of spiritualism, kept alive with both warning and memory for future generations.

Excellent book, not your run of the mill spooky ghost story,and I would love yo read more from Kathleen Kaufman. In 1901 Marina Loath and her father Ravish travel the roads of Scotland performing fake Swansea in which Marina contacts nonexistent spirits or reads cards for gullible girls seeking love.One day a member of the Edinburgh Spiritualists meets Hair a at a country fair and sees something else: real power. Nair a is swept into the Spiritualists' midst and becomes Nora Grey. Nora discovers her even greater talents when she Maoists a spirit not once, but twice
In 1866 Lottie Liath lives. She is not a spirit and she lives. Who is the young girl who appears to her and sees her and speaks to her? As the connection between Lottie and Nora gets stronger, the stances get more turbulent and violent. When the mysterious Order of St. Cultish becomes interested in Morale talents, Nora must strong and not lose control of her powers... at least not too much..in order to save Lottie and herself. Thank you to Net galley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I was excited to read this book, because it sounded unlike other books I have read. (I don’t read a lot of horror, so its a new genre for me!) The Entirely True Story of the Fantastical Mesmerist Nora Grey is a haunting mix of historical fiction, spiritualism, and slow-burning horror. The story jumps between the 1860’s and 1901, following Nairna Liath (later known as Nora Grey) and her grandmother, Lottie—two women with supernatural abilities who face exploitation, abuse, and the ever-present threat of being deemed “insane.”

Nairna starts out faking séances to survive, but when she has a real vision, she’s pulled into the world of psychic research, where men either want to control her or destroy her. Lottie’s story is even more heartbreaking—she’s locked in an asylum for the same abilities. The book does a great job weaving in historical newspaper excerpts, making it feel like a lost piece of history, and the paranormal elements take an interesting and unique angle on spirits.

Some parts of the story can get a little repetitive, and a few twists didn’t quite land, but overall, this was eerie, thought-provoking, and totally immersive. If you like historical fiction with a supernatural twist, this one is worth checking out!

Thank you to NetGalley & Kensington Publishing.

I really enjoyed reading this book, it had that element that I was looking for and was engaged with what was happening. The characters had that feel that I was looking for and enjoyed the historical element that I wanted. It was everything that I was looking for and enjoyed getting into this story-line. Kathleen Kaufman has a strong writing style and was able to weave the characters and story together. I enjoyed the cover and the description and was glad I read this. I'm excited to read more from Kathleen Kaufman as this was so well done.