Thank you Kensington Publishing for this arc.

I don’t go seeking “feminist rage” “attack the patriarchy” books but if one with those adjectives describing it sounds interesting, I’ll read it. For those readers wanting kick-ass feminist RAGE, this might not pack the punch you’re looking for. For those looking for a young, seemingly powerless, teenager finding her footing in the world and taking charge of the direction of her life, this might fit the bill.

Much of this book is grim. Nairna and her father are often cold and hungry before the Edinburg set takes them in. Nairna also worries that her talents will land her in gaol or worse. She thinks some of these people actually care about her but knows for a fact that most are weighing her and her talents and deciding how to profit off of what Nairna can do. Poor Lottie has the shit end of the stick. She and her husband loved deeply and had dreams before the coal mine tunnel collapsed, leaving Lottie and her unborn child in desperate circumstances. Lottie fights for her due with scrappy tenacity and refuses to kowtow but ends up in harsh and then terrible circumstances, subject to the will of male doctors.

At first we see Nairna and her father pulling spiritualist tricks for a handful of coins but I was genuinely surprised that Nairna not only has actual tarot skills, she can move heavy furniture, blow out windows, and ruin the shelving of a ton of library books. This only increases once she gets to Boston and her ‘spirit guide’ shows up. It’s at this point that things get even weirder. All hell doesn’t break loose but it’s certainly intense and readers need to be ready to just go with it. Another surprising aspect of the story is how helpful certain people at the asylum are and the ultimate thing they do to avenge Lottie and prevent what happened to her from being done to anyone else.

So maybe there’s not a lot of feminist rage but there are a lot of women looking out for themselves and each other. In the day and age of the timelines, women didn’t have much agency or power but within the limits of what is there, Nairna, the other spiritualist, a mysterious island of misfits, and two women who see injustice due manage to fix some things, arrange others, and emancipate themselves from there on out. B

Thank you NetGalley and Kensington for this ARC Copy! 4.25 Stars

What a fun and fantastical tale! I really enjoyed the dual POV's and experiencing the world through the eyes of each of our FMC's, and all of the trials that they experienced through their stories. Two very different but equally as strong, women who find themselves in such different circumstances and seeing how their stories intertwine was so artfully done. It was so exciting at times, but also really a grim reminder of how women were treated throughout history, and how hard they had to fight for everything they are given.

This one was sadly a miss for me. I had a hard time to getting into it and pushing through and ended up just not caring how it’d end. In general, I think it just wasn’t what I expected, but I feel like it was mostly due to the writing style for me.

2.75 ⭐ The elements said to be within The Entirely True Story of the Fantastical Mesmerist Nora Grey should have made it an instant hit for me - historical fantasy with two timelines centered around women taking their lives out of the hands of men via spiritualism with notes of horror - it sounds like the perfect book...

Unfortunately, the landing didn't stick at all. While the first couple of chapters had a strong start, the story and characters started to drag and I had to force myself to keep reading. Once we got Lottie's first POV, I found myself much more interested in her story (which is saying something because I didn't particularly love that either) and dreaded going back to Nora. The amount of spiritualism within the story was severely lacking and the character development, while we are told is 'happening', feels nonexistent. I'm also very confused about the 'Horror' tag as there weren't any elements of horror that I could find.

I do believe there is an audience for this book and those that will really enjoy it; however, I fall outside of that grouping.

I am so thankful that I received an ARC of this book! I was fortunate enough that the publisher sent me some special edition tarot cards to go along with it, a VIP treatment I've certainly never gotten before, but it did make me think the book would be way more about tarot. Instead the overarching theme, that stood out to me at least, was that invisible thread connecting two women's stories across timelines and realms. I'd recommend you go into this partially blind without reading the full description (but check trigger warnings - there is some content about difficult childbirth that I had to skip). Without saying too much, once there was a reveal about halfway through the book about Nora's/Lottie's abilities, I was at first shocked and intrigued. Then after it happens a few times, I felt it became a bit repetitive, and then there is a heartbreaking and jaw-dropping conclusion. Most of the chapters start with an excerpt from a publication about the women or the events happening around them at the time, and with a few exceptions, I didn't think that really added to the story. Overall I really enjoyed this and I will be reading more by this author.

A beautiful and heartbreaking novel about a time when women were controlled or taken advantage of by men. Nairna and Lottie's interwoven stories bring to light the horrible conditions of asylums and helps Nairna chart her own path.

The only real issue I have with the book is really a publisher issue (I think, at least) because the summary really gives away everything that happens in the book. The only real mystery is what happens to Lottie once in the asylum, it's pretty easy to figure out that Lottie and Nairna are grandmother/granddaughter. But for a while, I assumed that when Nairna talked about her Nann, she was talking about Lottie. It wasn't until Lottie went through a few "treatments" that I realized she wasn't going to survive the asylum. Besides all of this, it was still a beautiful and tragic novel.

The cast of characters was probably the best part of it all with Nairna being controlled by all these different people. It was fascinating that it wasn't just men who were taking advantage of Nairna but women too. Really, everyone in her life besides Lady Bell only cared about what Nairna could do for them. I do like the arc of Nairna and her father's (Tavish's) relationship. Yes, he's just as bad as all of the spiritualist in this for money, but once he realizes Nairna's connecting with Lottie in the seances, his whole demeanor changes. He doesn't become a perfect father but a better companion in the end for his daughter. Plus, him letting her live her own life at the end seems to be his way to apologize for what he did when she was growing up.

The supernatural and paranormal elements were fun and pretty spooky. I'm always here for a good ghost story, and this one hits the spot with asylums and mistreatment of patients. There's a long history of medical malpractice not just among women and not just in the United Kingdom. But having even this (fictional) glimpse into the horrors makes me want to learn more about this history. Not only do I want to read more about medical horrors but also I need to find books about the spiritualist societies of this time period.

If you're looking for a historical fiction book with paranormal elements and strong women trying to survive, then you should definitely pick this up!

This story is told in the alternating voices of two remarkable women: Lottie Liath & Nairna Liath (who later assumes the name Nora Grey). Nora lived with her father Tavish, roaming the Scottish countryside, never setting down roots. Tavish was a charlatan, and he orchestrated “encounters” with the departed for coin, while Nairna interprets tarot cards for those willing to pay for what they wish to hear. Nairna possessed a genuine gift for communicating with the spirit world. This gift was handed down from her grandmother, Lottie, but she had to be careful, because that "gift" could still get you branded as a witch. Lottie was a widow of a Welsh coalminer, and she was thrown into an asylum while she was pregnant with Nairna's father, and exploited for her powers until the day she died. Nairna gets taken in by Edinburgh’s elite Spiritualist circle, where she meets visiting American star Dorothy Kellings. Researchers, doctors, psychics, and thrill-seekers clamor for the rising young medium. But after a séance with blood-chilling results, a shocking scandal ensues, and Nairna flees to a secluded community near Boston, where she assumes her new identity. But Nora can’t stay hidden when Dorothy Kellings offers her the chance to face and silence skeptics at a spectacular séance at Boston’s Old South Meeting Hall, where Nora will come face to face at last with her spiritual guide: the courageous Lottie Liath, whose heart-wrenching story and profound messages are indelibly tied to Nora’s destiny.

It takes a long time for the story to develop to the part where it exposes how the two women's storylines were going to merge. Granted, if I had bothered to read the description, I would have known how they were linked, but I enjoy going into a story "blind" and letting it all unfold for me. So I spent most of the book wondering why I was also reading about Lottie. Once I discovered the answer, my mind was blown. There is a very cool part where, during a seance, Nora interacts with Lottie while she is imprisoned in a cell about to give birth. I won't say more, because I don't want to spoil it for you! The book was a bit long (448 pages) and at times the story seemed to drag a bit. I feel like it could have been condensed some and still been an excellent book. I have seen this tagged as horror as well as historical fiction & magical realism, but I would have to disagree with the horror aspect. Overall, if you enjoy historical fiction, especially in regards to magical realism, then you should definitely check this out.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the eARC.
All opinions are my own.

I devoured this book, mostly due to the crisp writing and intriguing plot setup. The themes were fascinatingly woven together to create a damn fine tale! It was surprisingly heartfelt in the end.

I'm vague for a reason: I went in knowing near nothing about this book and was wonderfully surprised by how much I enjoyed reading it. The author is coming to the book store at the start of August and can't wait for the event!

From the second I read the title The Entirely True Story of the Fantastical Mesmerist Norah Grey, I was like, oh we are not in basic territory anymore. And I was right!! This was such a unique, atmospheric, magical ride, and I couldn’t put it down.

I know nothing about tarot or like, the whole medium thing, so I have no idea how accurate the book actually is, like I’m not out here doing readings, but this story made me feel like I was inside that world. It’s got different timelines, different settings (Scotland! Boston! haunted asylums!!), and somehow it all comes together perfectly. Sometimes that kind of structure can feel confusing or messy, but here it was just so well crafted. Everything connected, everything mattered, and I loved that.

And it wasn’t just vibes, like, the story itself is absolutely incredible. A haunting legacy, women’s rage, identity, survival, ghosts, omg so the book for me.

The prose is gorgeous, it is rich without being try-hard. I’m honestly surprised more people aren’t screaming about this book already because it’s giving big next-favorite energy. This was such a standout read for me, definitely one of my favourites of the month, and an easy 5 stars.

Huge thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity to read this early. I’m honestly still thinking about it.

I thought this story was a really interesting read. I always enjoy when a story has dual timelines, as this one does. We go from the current time, early 1900s where we follow the FMC Nairna Liath later known as Nora Grey as she is "discovered" by a wealthy woman while reading tarot cards at a fair. After having spent time traveling the Scottish countryside with her father Tavish, she is happy to be finally living in a home, and getting regular meals. As Nora continues to do readings, her life is turned upside down as she is brought into the world of psychic mediums. The other timelines we visit is in the past, Lottie Liath, who not only goes through her own horrible experience, but also becomes Nora's spirit guide.

This story was a little bit sad but also totally realistic in its depiction of how women were treated at the time, especially reading about Lottie and all that happens to her. It is horrible that women could just be committed for disagreeing with a man. I was angry on the character's behalf, and then as poor Lottie was experimented on, it was horrible. It was really interesting to read about the whole psychic medium society, and how they were all looking for someone who could resurrect the dead. The amusing part of all of this is that as much proof and talent that Nora had shown, some of the people in the societies still didn't believe what she could do was real...until they experienced it first hand. I felt that Nora, while very talented in her medium abilities, was still just being used by one person after another for monetary or social gain in this story. I was so proud of Nora when she finally said enough was enough, and decided to begin her life by her choice and help others like her.

I have never read a book quite like this, and I think that a lot of people would really enjoy it!

Thank you to Netgalley, Kensington, and the author for a copy of this book!

The Entirely True Story of the Fantastical Mesmerist Nora Grey is split into two timelines. We have Nora's story, which begins in Scotland where she and father, Lavish, work the fairs and neighbourhoods by Nora reading cards and giving a purely manufactured show of Nora being spoken to by spirits. This ends one night when Nora is booked by a rich client who sees something in her that her father has not noticed - that she can actually see spirits.

The second timeline deals with Lottie Liath who is used to fighting for her rights and those of other miners' wives. That is until there's a tragedy at the mine in Aberdare when her husband is killed. Lottie's reaction is considered unreasonable and she finds herself locked in an asylum. Pregnant and afraid Lottie comes under the "care" of Dr Bothelli who sees a psychic ability in her and sees a way to make his name.

The historical part of the book is a well worn one - women who are strident or speak up are locked away or burned as witches; men rule everything and must be obeyed. We follow both Lottie's and Nora's stories as their connection becomes stronger despite being decades apart.

It is certainly clear enough who the "baddies" are in this story and it's left up to the characters of Nora and Lottie to carry the story. There are a few surprising helpers to both women, which made a nice change and both the women have strong characters.

However I found the story somewhat repetitive and drawn out. The inclusion of a devilish aspect seems lost in the narrative and I'm not sure what I was meant to conclude. There were also certain trigger words that began to irritate me - settle, for one - perhaps it was more noticeable on the audio. There was also a strange obsession with people's accents, which didn't seem to play any part in the plot but was mentioned.

As I say I listened to the audio and read the book alternately. The narration by Mhairi Morrison was, on the whole, very good. Ms Morrison has a lilting and pleasant Scottish accent. The only thing that let it down were other accents - which was made much of in the story - which were often confused and odd. Otherwise it was a pleasure to listen to.

On the whole, I would recommend this book for lovers of historical fiction and those interested in psychical phenomena.

Thankyou to Netgalley, Kensington Publishing and RB Media for the advance review and audio versions of this novel.

I loved the storyline and concept, but for some reason, I really struggled reading the line level writing of this book. It felt heavy on descriptive elements and not much tension pulling me through besides the what will happen to these ladies… maybe because I’m reading in the summer and should have waited for the more cozy fall and winter reading period.

This is the type of book that is better than my enjoyment of it. I must admit I prefer more cheerful, whimsical plots in magical realism stories.

Of course, nothing in the synopsis even hints at whimsy or cheer, so I was not at all misled. (We’ve all had that happen, where a book’s tone doesn’t match its blurb.) The synopsis sounds dark — and the novel is.

Readers who enjoy dark, gothic tales will be fans of this story. Aside from the supernatural, spiritualism elements of this story, this is a tale of feminine struggle for agency and freedom (both literal and figurative) for Lottie and Nora, the two main characters whose separate stories intertwine, while they’re separated by almost 40 years.

This book is not for me. The pace is slow (static, even) and I don’t care about the characters. DNF ~10%.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.

Thank you to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for a free e-ARC of 'The Entirely True Story of the Fantastical Mesmerist Nora Grey' by Kathleen Kaufman.

This was such a unique and emotive read! I didn't really know what I was going into and wondered where the story was going at first, but I was quickly reeled in.

'She would find out what it took to harness this talent and turn it into a life, free herself from the men who sought to twist and manipulate her talent for their own'

Nairna (or Nora as she is later known) is a card reader/seer who travels across Scotland with her dad - she is a gifted card reader but they often resort to fraud to earn money so that they can access shelter and food. However, Nairna encounters a woman who notices her talents and offers her a place to stay, as well as training to hone her talents. This leads to her being able to interact with a 'spirit guide' and showing her gifts at various shows. The book also follows the story of a woman named Lottie in Wales, and as the plot enfolds, we see how their stories intertwine and affect one another.

"I want to see you are never beholden to anyone again. To see you never suffer and starve. And to see you leave your tricks behind because you are greater than anyone's imagining."

The Fantastical Mesmerist Nora Grey (shortened as it is quite a long name!) is such a poignant exploration of women trying to navigate the society of their time (albeit with some magical goings on), and the varying obstacles they face - as well as seemingly inescapable circumstances at times. As noted, without providing any spoilers, the way that Nora and Lottie's stories intertwine is so bittersweet and interesting. Overall, the interactions and relationships between the various women in this story were written so well, and showed many forms of solidarity and support for one another (albeit some being slightly more strained than others).

'She lost part and particle of time; she was connected to nothing and everything.'

I had barely any criticisms about this book - it is probably one of the strongest 5 star ratings I have given a book in a long time. The only thing that slightly rubbed me the wrong way was a small amount of fatphobia towards some of the more villainous characters, which felt unnecessary.

very engaging period piece that stays true to the time and location! was a bit wary going in because the premise seems a little boring, but I promise that this book is great!! give it a chance :)

you get some dual pov that doesn’t feel like a chore/bad choice, lots of character depth and growth, good writing, and a really intriguing magic system, all in the late 19th early 20th century! I mean, what more could you want?

Genre: Historical Fiction | Magical Realism | Gothic Horror

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

🕯️ Dual timelines. Shared pain. Feminist fire.

This atmospheric novel blends historical fiction with magical realism—and just a flicker of gothic horror. It’s haunting, hypnotic, and utterly immersive.


We follow Nairna, a young Scottish girl travelling the countryside with her father during the height of the European spiritualist movement. She reads tarot cards and hosts séances at fairs and in grand parlours—sometimes with a dash of showmanship, thanks to her father’s flair for the dramatic. But while there’s certainly some con artistry involved, Nairna does have a real gift. Eventually, she becomes known as Nora Gray, a name that suits her eerie allure and growing power.

In a parallel thread, we journey back to 1860s Wales, where Lottie, a pregnant widow, petitions a cold-hearted mining company for her deceased husband’s wages. Her request is met not with compassion but incarceration—she’s thrown into an asylum in a brutal act of patriarchal punishment.

✨ Two women. One bond.

These two stories weave together beautifully. Kaufman reveals a mysterious connection between Nairna and Lottie—a bond that transcends time, space, and reason. The narrative explores not just the supernatural, but also the very real powers that conspire to silence, suppress, and punish women. Both Nairna and Lottie embody a quiet resilience and creative agency that feels both historically accurate and symbolically rich.


🌫️ Grit and enchantment

The writing is lush, lyrical, and gorgeously evocative. You feel the cold Welsh rain, smell the damp cobblestones in Scotland, and glimpse the creeping fog of Boston’s spiritualist scene. The transitions between timelines and settings are seamless, creating a spellbinding reading experience.

The final act takes a more fantastical turn—you’ll need to suspend your disbelief, but the payoff is worth it. It’s bold, eerie, tragic but strangely hopeful.

💫 Final thoughts:

This novel is gothic, feminist, and thoroughly original. A rich tale of grief, otherworldly gifts, and resistance in the face of power. Kathleen Kaufman is a name I’ll be watching—I’ve never read her before, but now I absolutely will again.


Highly recommended for fans of:

Women-centred historical fiction with a supernatural twist

The gothic horror of Sarah Waters or Laura Purcell

Dual timelines that actually work

Feminist narratives wrapped in velvet and smoke

Five stars. I had a great time.

I really enjoyed this book. I felt it was super unique and very intriguing to follow. I love the witchy dark feel and the writing matched the ambiance very well. I love when stories connect through multiple generations and this book did a very good and unique job at doing just that. At times there were parts that didn’t match the two timelines and how they connected but it was a small error that didn’t take away from the story. There were some parts that felt brushed passed or irrelevant but at the end of the day I also dont think it took away from anything. Overall I really enjoyed this and this authors ghost stories never seize to amaze me.

4.25/5

Thank you @kensingtonbooks #partner for the gifted copy of this gorgeous book!

I really enjoyed this one! The Entirely True Story of the Fantastical Mesmerist Nora Grey by Kathleen Kaufman is the kind of book that feels MADE for spooky season. It’s not scary in a jump-scare or bloody thriller way — it’s that eerie, atmospheric, witchy vibe that just feels like fall 🍂✨

This one’s a historical fiction with a sprinkle of fantasy and magical realism. Think tarot card readings, spirits, illusions, seances, and a little peek behind the curtain at how those old-school “tricks” were pulled off. And did I mention it’s set in an asylum? Yeah… it’s giving spooky, secret-society energy in the best way.

If you’re a fan of Sarah Penner (London Seance Society, The Lost Apothecary) you’ll absolutely vibe with this one. And can we just take a moment for that cover?! Gorgeous.

I highly recommend this to anyone that loves mystical reads, spiritualism, ghostly vibes, magic tricks or just want to channel your inner tarot-reading witch this fall 🔮✨

This was a really interesting read. I think that it could have been 5 stars. The back and forth between Lottie and Nora and watching how those stories intertwine was done so artfully. This was magical, spiritual and even emotional. I enjoyed the inclusion of transcripts, reports and articles that helped further the story. That was such an interesting way to accomplish the story telling. I was pulled into the story from the beginning. But it did feel like it started to lose a little steam. It became drawn out and unnecessarily lengthy. I really enjoy stories about mesmerist and this definitely goes to the top of the list.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.