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.

This was a surprisingly enjoyable combination of historical fiction, fantasy, and horror. I would not have chosen this book based on the title, but would absolutely recommend and look forward to other works by this author.

A dual POV historical fiction/magical realism novel, The Entirely True Story of the Fantastical Mesmerist Nora Grey is set in the heyday of psychical exploration and seances. Nora, formerly Niarna, travels in Scotland peddling her tarot card readings for a bit of money. When she gets noticed by a member of the spiritualist movement in Edinburgh, her true talents come through. Little does she know that the woman that she continues to see in her visions is her grandmother Lottie.

I very much enjoyed this book. I like historical fiction, love magical realism, and don't mind a dual-POV that time-hops a bit throughout the story. If those things aren't your jam, this is probably not the book for you. However, I love how the author pulled in the elements of the popular spiritualist movement at the turn of the 20th century and included both the fake and the real practitioners. Lottie's story is pretty tragic but also in line with some of the experiences at asylums during that time. Overall, I was really engaged with the author's writing style and knocked this book out in an afternoon. I would definitely recommend and would give 4.25 stars. Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington Publishing for this advanced readers copy!

This was an interesting read. The setting was great. The imagery really sets the scene for dark gothic vibes. I found the asylum, dual POV/Timeline, and magical realism interesting.

Nairna travels around with her father who is a con man. While Nairna has to also con people she hates it. She actually is gifted. I enjoyed reading about her powers. You have to deal with female rage and patriarchy in this story. While I found the premise interesting I was left wanting more from this book. A great read for spooky season.

Thank you for the gifted ebook.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to review this book.

I really enjoyed reading this. I was fully immersed in the life of Nora Grey as I read. It's a story of powerful women at its core.

The Entirely True Story of the Fantastical Mesmerist Nora Grey is a wonderfully atmospheric and eerie historical fantasy that pulls you right into the foggy streets and shadowy parlors of its world. I was completely swept up by the moody setting, with its Victorian seances and creeping dread. The writing feels lush without being overwrought, and the sense of mystery and danger builds beautifully.
Nora is a compelling lead with her sharp wit and unusual gift, and I loved the tension between her skepticism and the otherworldly forces she confronts. The supporting cast is colorful, the pacing is strong, and the final act pays off in haunting fashion. At times I wanted just a little more depth to some of the character relationships, but overall this is a vivid, engaging, and satisfying read for anyone who loves gothic vibes and supernatural suspense. Highly recommended for fans of atmospheric historical fiction with a twist of the uncanny.

I had high hopes going into Nora and Lottie's story, but I think this one just wasn't for me. The author sucks you in with richly detailed characters and supernatural intrigue, and I found my heart breaking for Lottie again and again. It was at the midpoint of the book where things got a bit slow for me. Overall not a bad book by any means, but I think I might have to be in a different mood for it.

Loved the premise for this historical fantasy novel. However, the story lacked the driving plot focus that I think it could have used. But, lots of fun scenes leaning into the odd and mysterious world here.

1901: Nairna Liath and her father are con artists traveling the Scottish countryside, pulling parlor tricks for a few meager coins and scraps of food. Until one day when Naira catches the eye of a spiritualist society based in Edinburgh. While in Edinburgh, Nairna uncovers her true metaphysical powers. She is able to see past the veil and make contact with spirits, making her a hot commodity. With her new found powers com fame, and many from the spiritualist community - doctors, researchers, and other psychic mediums - can't wait to get a piece of her. Nairna goes from one man (her father) ruling her life to another and another, leading her to bouts of anger. During these outbursts she is unable to control her powers, and is eventually run out of Scotland to America, where she assumes her new name: Nora Grey. In Boston even more people of the spiritualist community are waiting to cash in on her abilities.

1866: Lottie Liath is facing desperate times. Newly pregnant and widowed, she is dead set on getting her husband's wages and life insurance from the mine where he died. After several tense encounters with the owner of the mine Lottie's anger gets the best of her, leading her to be admitted to Argoll Asylum, outside of Cardiff. While imprisoned she is subjected to hypnosis sessions aimed to cure her of her "melancholia and female hysteria". Lottie learns she is able to travel from one plane to another, transcending time and space. Her path eventually merges with Nora's, and they must help each other with the abuse and manipulation they both face.

This is a great story for lovers of historical fiction, magical realism, dual timelines, and horror. Personally, I don't think I'd call this gothic horror like I've seen stated elsewhere. It has some of the same elements that I think it's close enough, and it does deal with some sensitive and dark topics that readers of gothic horror can appreciate. Even though the subject matter was tough to read at times the story also gave a feeling of hope and determination. The mood was consistent and well done throughout. The intertwining stories of Nora and Lottie was very well done. If it weren't for other commitments taking up my time I could have easily read this in a couple of days.

If I had one criticism it would be that the writing felt clunky and disjointed at times, especially in the first few chapters of the book. On more than one occasion I found myself reading entire passages more than once because I got lost between the past and present while setting up Nairna's backstory. Luckily it didn't impact the development of her character or my enjoyment of the story.

Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was an interesting read delving into two different time lines of young women who only wish for freedom and peace. I liked the seance ideas which is what had me interested in this book but it didn't deliver the way I had hoped. It definitely focuses more on family and the emotional aspect than it does the seance or spooky side and to be honest the book felt all over the place at times too. There was a lot going on but without feeling like there was a lot going on due to the writing style. I think others will enjoy this one, it just personally wasn't my cup of tea.

I am beyond disappointed In this book. It is evident that there was a lack of research and it made enjoying this book incredibly difficult. As a pagan who knows tarot cards well enough that i don't need to look at the cards to know their meanings, i was shocked at how incorrect the card readings were. If we are trying to say Nora is a medium or a spiritual person in any way, intuition plays a major role. Most gifted spiritualist in the occult possess a relatively innate ability to read tarot cards as they come packed with symbolism. Even if tarot wasn't her strong suit, she would still be able to craft better lies based on the cards symbols. This alone made believing any of her supernatural abilities difficult for me. I am also disappointed in the way this book perceives individuals who do read tarot and speak to the spirit world. It is borderline disrespectful and in poor taste. The writing is good and the story was fine but i cannot forgive the lack or research.

It’s immediately clear that The Entirely True Story of the Fantastical Mesmerist Nora Grey is a passion project for K. Kaufman—rooted in family history, yes, but also in the fierce determination to give voice to women who have been ignored, silenced, or locked away. This is a haunting, atmospheric novel that pulses with feminine rage, longing, and liberation.

We follow Nairna Liath, a Scottish girl with a quiet but powerful gift for communicating with the dead. She travels the countryside with her charlatan father, scraping by on staged séances and whispered tarot readings. But unlike Tavish’s theatrics, Nairna’s ability is real—and dangerous. When she's swept into the glittering, exploitative world of Edinburgh's elite spiritualist circles and then driven across the Atlantic to America, she reinvents herself as Nora Grey. But the echoes of the past—particularly the brutal, heartbreaking story of Lottie, a widow institutionalized in a notorious asylum—refuse to stay quiet.

Lottie and Nora tugged at my heart in different ways: one exploited for her vulnerability, the other for her power. Both stories resonated deeply. I finished the novel feeling both furious and entranced—haunted in the best way. A beautifully written debut that refuses to look away from pain, and insists on hope all the same.

Weird, Witty, and a Bit Wobbly

This book is definitely a vibe—think Victorian gothic meets magical realism with a dash of dark whimsy. The Entirely True Story of the Fantastical Mesmerist Nora Grey has a killer premise: a young girl with mysterious powers navigating a world of séances, spiritualists, and shadowy secrets. It’s moody, atmospheric, and totally unique.

That said, it’s also kind of all over the place. The writing is lush and imaginative, but sometimes it leans a little too hard into the quirky, and the plot can get murky. I found myself flipping back a few times wondering if I missed something. Nora is a fascinating character, but I wanted more emotional depth to really connect with her journey.

Still, if you’re into offbeat historical fantasy with a strong gothic flair and don’t mind a slower, more meandering pace, this might be your cup of tea. It didn’t totally mesmerize me, but I’m glad I gave it a shot.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington for this ARC!

The story is Nora Grey was a good read and I enjoyed the characters in the book. The book reads well as it goes back and forth in time between Nora/Nairna and Lottie and the whole timeline tied up nicely by the end. If you like a well written magical paranormal book, this is for you.

Basic Info:
Pub date: July 29th
Publisher: Kensington
Page Count: 448
Recommended for readers who enjoy:
- dual timelines
- historical fiction
- magical realism and feminist gothic horror
- spiritualists, occultists, Victorian era mysticism and mediums
- feminine rage & fighting the patriarchy
- father/daughter relationships
- generational family saga
- dark circus/carnival and asylum aesthetics
- spooky séance scenes
- Fall, moody, slow-burn
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What I loved:
- while Nairna's father was a con man, she was the real deal with a true gift and she resented tricking people and using her natural ability to manipulate/cheat people
- Edinburgh as a setting (I think I'm in love with this city)
- the dual timelines are both compelling--the other story detailing the life of Nairna's grandmother, a young widow, with the same gifts who lives at an asylum controlled by a cruel doctor- she too is frustrated with her gifts being exploited by a man and her wrongful institutionalization.
- complex, fully realized characters who drive the story forward and keep it interesting providing emotional investment
- I liked the author's use of article snippets as chapter headings to preview upcoming story developments
- in-depth historical context and details--so much research went into this book
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Minor complaints:
- Nora's character arc was a little predictable/obvious--I felt like I knew from the onset what was going to happen though I longed for a plot twist
- maybe a touch long? I feel like there were story beats that were repeated--scenes that could have been trimmed up to keep the pace

Final recommendation: This book is perfect for grey, moody, rainy days with an endless pot of tea and hours to burn immersed in this historical, gothic tale about two women bound together by blood and paranormal abilities destined to be exploited and misunderstood but determined to forge their own path. Kathleen Kaufman truly sets the stage with rich aesthetics and atmosphere to enfold readers into an intricately plotted storyline while also connecting the audience's heart to the complex characters--a Gothic-era gift! I was enraptured.

Comps: My Darling Dreadful Thing by Johanna Van Veen, Square of Sevens by Laura Shepherd-Robinson

This historical fantasy was such a great read! I really enjoyed the dual timelines. The asylum setting in particular was fascinating, and I loved uncovering the eerie history tied to it. Set at the height of the spiritualist movement in the early 1900s, the story follows a Scottish girl who crosses the veil and discovers a powerful connection to a notorious asylum, unearthing secrets that have long been buried.

The dual POVs added depth, and the dark, gothic atmosphere pulled me in right away. It did slow a bit after the halfway point, but not enough to take away from my enjoyment. Overall, this was a solid and compelling read. Big thanks to Kensington for the gifted ARC!

A good, magical & interesting story! I loved the time weaving and the dark ambient writing. I loved the magical realism/historical fiction of the story.

Kaufman's "The Entirely True Story of the Fantastical Mesmerist Nora Grey" pulled me into twin worlds of women fighting against fates written by men's hands. The dual timeline structure unfolds with surprising clarity—Lottie's 1866 grief spiraling into something darker while Nora/Nairna's 1901 journey offers glimmers of hope amid similar constraints.

The pages practically hummed with Victorian-era spiritualism—those dimly lit rooms where desperate families clutched at supernatural straws while mediums and mesmerists capitalized on raw heartbreak. My chest tightened watching Lottie, a widow demanding what's rightfully hers, tumbling down a devastating rabbit hole that exposed the brutal realities faced by women of her time.

Nora's narrative provided necessary oxygen—her twentieth-century struggles under her father's shadow eventually giving way to something more promising after finding a patron. The balance between these women's stories creates an emotional pendulum that swings between rage and cautious optimism.

What lingered with me most was Kaufman's deft handling of historical detail—the stuffy parlors and whispered séances—interwoven with elements that shimmer just beyond reality's edge. This isn't mere historical fiction with supernatural flourishes; the magical realism feels organic, rooted in the soil of genuine human experience rather than fantasy.

The mystery at the heart of this family saga unravels with satisfying inevitability. I found myself both dreading and craving the next page turn, caught in that delicious tension between wanting resolution and fearing its cost. Kaufman delivers both tragedy and healing in measures that respect the complexity of her characters' worlds—worlds that felt eerily familiar despite their historical distance.

Special thanks to Kensington and NetGalley for providing the advance copy, though all opinions expressed are entirely my own.