I wish this was more for me than it was, but there were still parts that were enjoyable. Told from 2 POV's that are somehow linked, this Gothic fantasy is set in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It shows how abhorrently women were treated during this time and sometimes it was hard to read. The cover is what drew me in initially (it's gorgeous!) and then the description sounded like it was right up my alley! But it lost me a little bit at the beginning and it was hard to get back into the story. But I do think it is worth the read, especially if you like Gothic fantasies! Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for my digital ARC!!

Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for an ARC of The Entirely True Story of the Fantastical Mesmerist Nora Grey! This was a slow-burn, feminist gothic tale that entwines the lives of two Scottish women across time and space during the peak of the Spiritualist movement. The feminine rage and emotional depth of both Nairna and Lottie Liath are exquisitely written. The plot takes its time meandering through the various aspects of the Spiritualist movement and the cultural norms of the time, taking Nairna from a chaotic, nomadic lifestyle to a young woman with wealthy connections and a place to call her own. The pacing was a bit too slow for me at times, and I didn't really feel that the reader was left with a clear idea of why Lottie and Nairna were connected in the way that they were, but overall it was an interesting read with a unique twist on the mesmerist story.

Overall - 3.5⭐️
Plot - 3.25⭐️
Characters - 3.5⭐️
Character Development - 3.5⭐️
Setting - 4⭐️
Writing Style - 3.75⭐️

This book was so poignant, I loved it and found it truly transporting, it was beautifully written and deeply moving.

A haunting, slow burn gothic tale where spiritualism, generational secrets, and feminine fury entwine across time.

Set at the turn of the 20th century and steeped in the Spiritualist movement, this atmospheric novel moves between Scotland and America, blending magical realism with feminist gothic horror in a dual timeline narrative.

The moody Scottish countryside, Edinburgh’s occult salons, and the oppressive asylum are vividly realized, pulling you into each scene’s emotional weight. Nairna’s rise as a true medium under exploitative circumstances mirrors her grandmother Lottie’s harrowing past in an asylum, and both are compelling journeys of survival and solidarity. Themes of feminine rage and resilience resonate strongly, while the archival touches such as news clippings and séance transcripts add an immersive, authentic feel.

The pacing is slow, which suits the atmosphere but may test some readers’ patience. Certain plot turns are also somewhat predictable, and the mysterious occult order teased throughout could have been explored more fully.

For fans of character driven historical fantasy with a gothic tone, framed by occult intrigue and a strong feminist undercurrent, this is an immersive and emotionally resonant read that fits perfectly with a rainy afternoon.

Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thanks to Netgalley, Kensington Publishing for the e-arc galley! I really enjoyed reading The Entirely True Story of the Fantastical Mesmerist Nora Grey. Definitely a mouthful but I enjoy the subject matter, so was pleasantly surprised by how informative and interesting this novel was. I felt a connection to both main characters and felt I could jump between both time and their timelines without losing track of the storyline. The ending was satisfactory. I'll be recommending this title throughout the coming seasons, and it's definitely a great fall read!

I often grow weary of the dual timeline format because I have seen soooooo many instances where the information either feels repetitive or fails to connect both perspectives. Kaufman did a great job of balancing the narratives of Nora, a mesmerist putting on seances for the wealthy believers and spiritual researchers, with Lottie, an expectant mother trapped at an asylum forced to undergo research by other spiritualists. Both women felt compelling on their own, and I didn't feel like there was a "main POV." It was pretty balanced.
We find out these women are connected and that their spiritual gifts feed off of each other. While I did love this twist, it felt pretty unbelievable and I didn't feel the author did much to justify or explain how it came to be. It was definitely convenient for storytelling purposes. It required a suspension of disbelief that I was willing to have, but it didn't necessarily feel earned. Other than that, there was some overlap in the dueling timelines and I felt a few scenes could have been shortened or omitted as it felt slightly repetitive.
Overall I would recommend. I had a great time.

I enjoyed this lovely and original imagining of spiritualism in Scotland, London, and America in the late 19th century. After years of scamming unsuspecting people, Nairna Laith suddenly finds herself contacted by an actual spirit--who communicates with her not from the dead, but from the past. It's an excellent twist, and I liked how author Kaufman used details and practices from history in order to show how different her protagonist is. It's a great gothic story, full of intrigue and desperate researchers doing terrible--and ultimately somewhat redemptive things—and rivals in the seance business. It's also full of women advocating for themselves and learning how to do so, developing positive (or at least mutually beneficial) relationships instead of rivalries, and helping others instead of using them. A perfect read for a rainy day, or a sunny afternoon, with a cup of strong Scottish tea.

The Entirely True Story of the Fantastical Mesmerist Nora Grey by Kathleen Kaufman is the first book I've read by this author. This author brought me to places I couldn't even imagine with her mesmerizing story! (See what I did there?) I am going to. have to check out some of her previous books now!

Now that her Nan is gone, Nairna Liath travels throughout the Scottish countryside with Tavish, her charlatan father. The two barely get by on very few coins and scraps of food. Tavish orchestrates "encounters" with the dearly department, while Nairna reads tarot cards for those who will pay for what they want to hear. However, she actually possesses a true gift, which she inherited from her grandmother, Lottie Liath. Lottie was the widow of a Welsh coalminers; when she tried to get justice from his employer, she is imprisoned in a notorious asylum. Her story is calling out to Nairna from four decades past with warnings. Nairna is rescued from her impoverished life by a well-connected stranger. She now lives among Edinburgh's elite Spiritualists, including visiting American star Dorothy Kellings. Researchers and thrill-seekers can't get enough of Nairna. A shocking scandal ensues, however, after a séance with frightening results, and she and Tavish flee to an isolated community near Boston, where she lives under the assumed name of Nora Grey. But she's brought back into the public eye when Dorothy Kellings offers her a chance to silence skeptics at a spectacular séance in Boston, where she will come face-to-face with her spiritual guide - Lottie Liath - whose heartbreaking story and messages are tied to Nora's destiny.

In order to simplify matters, I will be referring to Nairna Liath as Nora Grey. The premise of the story intrigued me; besides me being interested in the otherworldly, my maternal grandmother read tarot cards and seemed to know things ahead of time. I don't know who I found to be more fascinating, Nora or Lottie! Nora had a hardscrabble life with her con man father Tavish. He set up readings where she had to encounter "the dead" (all an act), and he promised to lead people to water by divination (which he couldn't do), and they were often run out of town. They barely scraped by and had to forage for food, which was often the leavings of others. When Nora is led into the life of Edinburgh's Spiritualists, her life definitely improved and she was lauded for her abilities...until a séance caused her to leave for an isolated island where she would be protected. While we were hearing about Nora's life in 1900 and 1901, we also had chapters about her ancestor, Lottie Liath. When her husband was killed in a mine accident and she tried to get his wages which she had been promised, there was an altercation where Lottie injured the employer. She is brought to a notorious asylum, where she is experimented on to learn about her psychic abilities. Lottie is with child, and her existence is becoming more and more fraught with pain and danger. From four decades in the past she communicates with Nora. It was horrifying, the conditions of women in asylums with no one to champion them. Lottie only had nuns to keep her somewhat safe, which wasn't very safe at all. I refuse to give any of the story away after Lottie and Nora started to communicate. I will say this: Stories about time travel and paradoxes totally confuse me. But Lottie and Nora's interactions and results? Totally mind-blowing! All the supporting characters were great; you may hate some of them, but they're still great characters! You'll root for both Nora and Lottie, and hate the "doctors" who treated Lottie so heinously in the name of "research". This is a story you'll not soon forget!

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆


This one surprised me in the best way. It’s a blend of magical realism and historical fiction that leans into the fantastical without ever straying too far from reality. As the title suggests, there’s some magic here, but it never feels overdone or ridiculous.

The story follows Lottie, Nairna (who later goes by Nora), and Tavish Liath, three characters whose lives are tightly woven together, not just by family ties but by deep, sometimes painful shared history. Lottie and Nora stood out to me; both are layered and complex. And Tavish, who starts as a bit of a shady carnival guy who is mostly out for himself, ended up being one of the more interesting arcs. He transitions from con man to someone much more human and vulnerable than I expected.

A lot is going on here: trauma, the weight of being a woman in 1866 and 1901, broken dreams, and generational damage. The book also dips into some metaphysical territory, especially when it comes to time, and somehow it all makes sense. It jumps around in time and space, but I never felt lost. The writing keeps you grounded, even when the story gets a little surreal. You’re a bit unsettled at times, but never confused.

If you’re new to magical realism, this is a pretty great starting point. It’s accessible, but still layered enough to keep things interesting. I also loved the setting, Wales and Scotland don’t get enough attention in fiction, especially with their messy colonial pasts, so it was refreshing to see those places explored here.

The ending? Super satisfying. Some swift, righteous justice wraps it all up nicely.
All in all, I enjoyed this read. It has a unique voice, a haunting atmosphere, and a lot of emotional weight behind the magic.

Thank you Kensington Publishing for the ARC.

What a ride! I loved everything about the setting, the dialogue, the dual timeline, Nora's "coming of age" and watching her grow into her power. Lottie was such.a strong character; her journey broke my heart.

This was excellent. I also highly recommend the audiobook; it brings the story to life with the narrator's management of accents and cadence.

Let e be clear from the start: I have not finished this book yet. But I have one day to finish it and I know I won't be able to.

However, I can say with all honesty that I am enjoying this book a lot. It gives me The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue vibes and it has a great balance between loving the characters and hating their decisions. I think Nora is a good character and her father is a great antagonist. From where I stand, at least.

Ghost stories wouldn’t be complete, in my opinion, without the very spooky and true story of the early spiritualist movement in the 1800s and early 1900s. I loved learning that history, and so when I saw The Entirely True Story of the Fantastical Mesmerist Nora Grey by Kathleen Kaufman, I was instantly fascinated and had to read it.

This novel focuses on two women from two different decades as their stories cross time and start to overlap: Nora Gray, a budding mesmerist in 1901 Scotland, and her grandmother, Lottie Liath, a young widow in 1878 Wales.

When we first meet Nora (Nairna), she and her father, Tavish, are traveling the road and posing as spiritualists in private sessions and at carnivals. Nora puts on a show, cracking her joints and fooling her audience like other famous spiritualists of the time. However, Nora actually has skill. As she conducts more fortune telling and tarot card reading, she starts to realize she actually can see things no one else should, including the spirit world.

Simultaneously, we follow Lottie. Recently widowed and pregnant, Lottie tries to get what’s owed to her upon her husband’s death. Only this ends with her thrown into an asylum for hysterics. Once there, the doctors realize she has some skills regarding mesmerism, and they conduct experiments on her to further their studies (and fame).

As the novel progresses, Nora and Lotties undergo multiple hypnosis sessions/seances, and through them their struggles and stories start to coalesce.

This novel is a heartfelt exploration of the struggles women face at the hands of men, the complicated nature of relationships and love, and what it takes to claim autonomy, all through the lens of women spiritualists. I was instantly drawn to Nora’s story as she tries to survive life on the road and a father that, while he clearly loves her, can’t properly take care of someone else. We see Nora grow from an unsure homeless child to a self-assured, strong young woman as she explores her talents as a spiritualist and her strength as an individual, and tries to gain her freedom.

Likewise, it was hard to stop reading Lottie’s sections: Through excerpts from various sources, we get a hint how Lottie’s story might end, and it was intriguing (and hard!) to reconcile how full of life and strength she is with that foreshadowing. It was hard to look away, but I really enjoyed experiencing her story (as tough as it was to read sometimes).

But throughout both women' s stories, we get a stark view of the predatory nature of men (especially when it furthers their fame or cause, or puts money in their pocket) and how women try to fight it and gain autonomy. We also get a stark view of power, class, and gender, and how exceptional women have to endeavor to be in order to find their freedom. And I am nothing if not a staunch supporter of storylines that explore these themes and raise women up.

However, as much as I enjoyed this story and felt myself wanting to know what happened to Nora and Lottie, this did feel a bit repetitive. It starts off strong as we delve into Nora’s entry into spiritualism and Lottie’s struggle to secure a life for herself and her unborn child. However, once we move into the seances, we get multiple seance scenes until the end. And it felt like we abandoned character development outside of the seance. Which may say something and be a point in and of itself. But it did start to feel repetitive.

I have one more slight criticism: the title. It’s too long and, honestly, gives off a non-serious vibe. It led me to believe that this story would be slightly whimsical, maybe for a slightly younger audience. But this story is dark, serious, and adult. It’s not a cute, humorous, light novel, and I feel like the title does it a slight disservice. It’s also really hard to remember the entire thing! It doesn’t affect the novel and the story within, but I feel like it could misrepresent what’s in the novel.

This didn’t, however, take away from the emotional conclusion, where I found myself holding back a few tears. Despite what felt like a slight distancing of character for the later third or so of the book, this was a stark exploration of what it means to be a woman and gain freedom and safety for oneself. And seeing that explored through two women's experiences with the spiritualist movement was unique and worthwhile.

If you love the Victorian Era spiritualists and stories about women's strength and autonomy, this is definitely one to try.

One more note: I saw this advertised as a horror novel in some places, but this is not a horror novel (despite some horrific things happening). This is a historical fiction novel with some magical realism elements.

TW: Forced institutionalization, childbirth (+death by), blood, medical abuse

Books with similar vibes:
- Crypt of the Moon Spider
- The Lost Apothecary
- My Darling, Dreadful Thing (slight)

Thank you Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for the eARC! All opinions are mine.

I love it when my niche interests and fiction reading intersect.

The Entirely True Story of the Fantasical Mesmerist Nora Grey is a beautiful yet tragic story of mysticism, family relationships, and exploitation. This dual-timeline story goes back and forth between Nairna, who travels with her father from Great Britain to New England during the Victorian era, and Lottie, a young, pregnant widow who is sent to an asylum outside Cardiff after her husband's untimely death. The bonds of family, mysticism, and trauma tie them together across the decades, leading to Nairna's rise as The Fantastical Mesmerist, Nora Grey.

I couldn't put this book down, I squealed at the historical references and was enraptured by the characters. Nairna's growth and ability to take control of her own life is tragically yet hopefully juxtaposed against Lottie's, breaking generational curses and bringing justice in a very satisfying ending.

4/5 stars. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This isn't my usual genre, but "feminist rage" really caught my attention and I knew I had to pick it up. I am so glad I did.

Told in a dual POV between Nairna/Nora and Lettie; two magical women consistently exploited by men.

Nairna performs on the street and at events to keep her and her (often drunk, neglectful) father afloat. Her father often takes the money for herself, but she doesn't mind, she just wants to keep the relationship and dreams of supporting herself one day. When it's discovered that she actually does have psychic abilities, newspapers and communities take notice. She does her best to find a balance between being herself, exploring her gift, and not bringing harm to herself or those who have helped her (which becomes difficult with growing infamy).

Lottie's story takes place roughly 40 years before Nora's (though space and time are complicated, yes?). After tragically losing her husband (carrying their child), she stands up for herself and those in her community against greed. Her grief and unwillingness to be silent about injustice were seen as signs of instability, and she is committed to an asylum. When doctors discover that she is susceptible to mesmerism, she is subjected to cruel experiments and abused in the name of "scientific discovery."

The magical realism, historical fiction, overall storytelling, the pacing, the themes- all 10/10. And the ending... absolutely perfect.

I tried. I tried so hard! But this book is just a big no for me. I thought the description sounded great but the book fell very flat for me.

I didn’t find it to be an “easy” read, a lot of pronunciations I had to figure out, words/names i haven’t seen before.

The book is just too slow. I’m waiting for this “shocking scandal” to occur and feel like I’m just going through sludge to get there.

Maybe this genre isn’t for me!

Thank you to netgalley and Kensington publishing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review,

Nairna Liath and her father, Tavish, barely made ends meet on the streets as a card reader and a charlatan. But Nairna’s talent soon caught the attention of powerful societies, and their fortunes began to change as she honed her skills. However, the deeper she delved into the craft, the closer she came to a familiar shadow, Lottie, and the dark truth of her blood.

I like seeing Nairna evolve from a timid girl into someone who learned to control her own life. Tavish, though flawed, clearly loved and cared for his daughter. My favorite character was Lottie and I felt for the injustice she endured.

This was an entertaining read, albeit a straightforward one. I was drawn to the ambiance and the overall vibe of the book.

'The Entirely True Story of the Fantastical Mesmerist Nora Grey' is a story of maximizing one’s potential. It would appeal to readers who enjoy historical fiction with an occult theme.

Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this free copy of "The Entirely True Story of the Fantastical Mesmerist Nora Grey."

Whew, what a long title to write! So kudos to author Kaufman for writing an entertaining book where I felt the characters were real historical figures. I kept searching online to see if there was any mention of them.

We meet Nairna (later Nora) as a child where she and her father travel in Scotland, scamming people who are willing to pay for her to channel the departed.

But Nairna actually has a gift and she wants to learn how to use it so she can be independent of any man and make decisions about her own life.

A dual storyline introduces us to Lottie, Tavish's mother, whose husband was killed in a coal mine accident. Her tragic treatment at the hands of doctors creates a psychic connection to Nora.

Nora's power continues to grow and the connection to Lottie becomes stronger until a fateful, explosive exhibition in Salem, MA.

Definitely an ending I won't forget!

Full Disclosure: I received an Advance Reader's Copy of The Entirely True Story of the Fantastical Mesmerist Nora Grey by Kathleen Kaufman from Kensington Publishing via NetGalley. This book is available for sale now.

I will confess that when the publisher reached out to me and said that I could have some tarot cards themed after the book if I wanted to read it, I said yes. I would have read it even without the tarot card enticement, but I really love tarot card decks. Whether you believe in what you get from the readings or not, they can be quite beautiful pieces of art. As you can probably guess, the title character, Nora Grey, has a connection to the tarot. Nora's story is told through an interweaving of narratives between her and her grandmother who also used tarot. The cards connect them in an unexpected way. I enjoy reading about the spiritualist movement and the men and women who made a living talking to spirits. Some were clearly charlatans and yet, there are some people who do seem to have a gift. Nora is one of them. I won't give any more away, but if you are into seances, ghosts, mesmerism, and talking to dead people, you should read this.

Big thank you to Kensington Publishing for the ARC copy of this book.

I really enjoyed this! It's an atmospheric, historical mix of horror, fantasy and female rage that spans generations and countries.

We follow Nora Grey and Lottie Liath, two women connected in a way that becomes clearer the further we make it through the novel. Both women experience parallels in their 80 year gap, their worlds are somewhat mirrored. Their stories are those of powerful women under the thumb of men throughout the 1800s to the early 1900s.

There's themes of female rage, freedom and tragedy. It isn't a happy book, but if you like old mesmerism, historical Scotland, Wales and America and a bit of a ghost story, you'll like this one.

Thank you, NetGalley & HighBridge Audio, for this ARC.

I can't tell you how much I loved this book. The split timelines are connected beautifully, as well as the development of the relationship between Nora and Lottie. It was a little slow at times, but honestly, so worth pushing forward. Highly recommend if you enjoy historical magical realism, and spooky occult stuff.