Thank you Netgalley for the ARC of this book. This story unfolded in such a wonderful way! I was pleasantly surprised. I still find it hard to believe it's based on an actual person and not a total work of fiction. Wonderful historical fiction

I have loved all of Greer’s previous books but this one took me a bit to get through. I kept putting it down and had a hard time getting into it. Despite that, Aimee’s story was interesting. I hadn’t heard of her prior to reading this book but the tragedy and scandals that followed her, only made her a fiercely independent woman. All while reading this, I couldn’t believe this was fact as it read as a strange novel. But despite that I enjoyed the story.

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC. While I'll admit to being curious about such an original woman's life, I'll also admit I was surprised at how many feelings and events 8n her life find a parallel to mine, despite my finding the protagonist unlikeable. I think this just goes to show how universal certain experiences are. For example, her thoughts on motherhood and on the expectations society places on women were certainly insightful. On the other hand, she probably lived in an era when being interested in the occult and a certain type of spritualism was de rigueur among the ton, so just know that when going in. On the whole, this has been an interesting read, if only for understanding (again, as if it had been necessary) that all people have joy and pain, happiness and melancholy, accomplishments and regrets in their life, no matter their social standing, prestige and money or lack thereof.

Absolutely loved this book. The story, the writing…absolutely spectacular. This was one of those books I was reading even on my breaks at work because I couldn’t stop thinking about it.

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to review Greer Macallister’s The Thirteenth Husband. This book was a fascinating tale of a woman who longed for love and acceptance. She used her resources to search for the happiness she desired. It is a gripping and thought-provoking historical fiction novel that combines suspense and romance. The novel centers around the fascinating and complex figure of Evelyn, a woman who has been married thirteen times (not technically) and whose relationships are marred by tragedy, secrets, and a constant search for love and belonging.

From the start, the reader is drawn into her world as she navigates her marriages, each one seeming to offer a new chapter of her life while also unraveling a bit more of her psyche. What makes this book particularly compelling is the way Macallister explores how society views a woman with such a tumultuous marital history, and how Evelyn grapples with her identity amidst this scrutiny.

Macallister’s writing allows the reader to understand and empathize with Evelyn’s inner turmoil, even as her choices are at times difficult to justify. The supporting characters, including the various husbands, are also vividly portrayed, each playing a role in the shaping of Evelyn’s journey.

In conclusion, The Thirteenth Husband is an expertly crafted, emotionally resonant novel that captivates the reader with its compelling storyline and rich characters. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys layered, character-driven narratives.

The thirteenth husband- a sweeping saga... and based on a true life journey! 

Main character, Amiee Crocker, lived a fluid life, brimming with constant change and excitement.  She received a 10 million dollar inheritance as a young child- a lofty amount of funds to receive back in 1875. Her journey boasted marriage and motherhood - before the age of twenty and divorce at the tender age of 23. Her life can only be depicted as extravagant- from exciting parties to an array of marriages and lovers that literally made my head spin. My boring, little simple life could never compare! Haha! 

This novel is definitely worth reading! Put your feet up, relax with your favourite drink- and be entertained! 4/5

First of all, Greer McAllister is an exceptional storyteller. She hooked me at the end of every chapter, giving me no choice but to continue the story. And this was no small feat considering how little I cared for the main “character,” the real-life heiress Aimée Crocker, one of the most scandalous women of the Gilded Age.

Dubbed the “Queen of Bohemia” by a critical press, she was a mystic known for collecting tattoos, snakes, art, husbands and lovers. I tried to muster empathy for her after her first marriage – she was savagely and unfairly raked over the country’s media coals. She suffered a tragic loss a few years later, yet rallied to shepherd those in her care and carry on.

It bothers me to say this because this was a fictionalized story of a real person, but I related to Aimée so little I never developed enough sympathy for her to care about her story. That is a testament to the abilities of Greer McAllister! I simply would not have finished this book without her ability to pull me to the next page every time I was ready to DNF the book. (I’ll be looking for more of Ms. McAllister’s books!)

If the escapades of the real life Aimée Crocker intrigue you, by all means read this book! Her story is excellently told within its pages.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark, NetGalley, and author Greer McAllister for the complimentary copy. It was my pleasure to write this candid review.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publishing Company for this Advanced Readers Copy of The Thirteenth Husband by Greer Macallister!

Compelling Premise That Falls Short in Depth ★★★☆☆

Greer Macallister’s The Thirteenth Husband is a richly detailed historical fiction novel that explores love, survival, and societal expectations. The story follows a woman whose many marriages shape her journey through a world that often leaves women with few choices. The premise is intriguing, offering a glimpse into the challenges of marriage, independence, and reinvention in a bygone era.

Macallister’s writing is atmospheric, skillfully capturing the historical setting and the limitations placed on women of the time. The novel’s strongest moments come from its depiction of resilience in the face of adversity, and the protagonist is a fascinating figure who defies convention in her own way.

However, while the setup is compelling, the execution falters at times. Some parts of the story feel repetitive, and the pacing is inconsistent—lingering too long on certain aspects while rushing through others. The emotional depth of the characters, particularly in their relationships, could have been explored more fully to create a stronger impact.

Overall, The Thirteenth Husband is an interesting read for historical fiction fans, particularly those who enjoy stories about complex women navigating rigid societal structures. While it doesn’t fully reach its potential, it offers a unique perspective on marriage and survival .

This novel has polarized its readers, and it's easy to see why. The protagonist, Aimee Crocker, isn’t exactly a paragon of likability. Macallister’s adaptation of Crocker's memoir often leaves readers perplexed when deciphering how much of this larger-than-life character has been embellished.

The enigmatic women in white who appear throughout Aimee's story add a layer of mystery and curiosity. The explanation at the end, while bordering on the fantastical, oddly fits the overall narrative.

What starts with captivating pacing devolves into a sluggish meander. I found myself skimming through redundant sections. Aimee’s multiple marriages—some of which were not actual marriages—are woven through the narrative, creating another facet of this self-absorbed woman.

While I did enjoy some of the elements of the book, it ultimately did not measure up to Macallister's previous work, The Arctic Fury. The promise of a gripping and complex story remains largely unfulfilled, leaving readers with a sense of what could have been.

Before I read Greer Macallister's The Thirteenth Husband, I'd never heard of Aimee Crocker, a Gilded Age heiress whose life was as scandalous as it was fascinating. Imagine a Paris Hilton or Kardashian of her era, but with a dash of Oscar Wilde-esque eccentricity.

Aimee Crocker was a true free spirit, defying societal norms at every turn. She divorced her husband in an era when divorce was considered a social disgrace, remarried, embarked on globe-trotting adventures, and openly indulged in a series of passionate affairs. She even got a tattoo, a radical act for a woman of her time. But Aimee wasn't just a social butterfly; she was a seeker of truth, exploring Buddhism, spiritualism, and even the occult through séances, travels to exotic locales, and deep philosophical discussions.

Macallister masterfully brings Aimee's flamboyant life to vivid existence. This is the kind of historical fiction that reads like a juicy tabloid headline come to life. If you enjoy stories of unconventional women who dared to break the mold, you won't want to miss The Thirteenth Husband.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for sharing another wonderful read from Macallister. I loved getting to know Aimee Crocker through this book!

Started off really enjoying this one — the glittering lifestyles, the various settings around the globe, and the direct and honest but sometimes wry and witty tone of the narrator all really worked for me.

But as the book continues, it gets more and more “out there” — there were elements of mysticism and ghosts or spirits introduced early on, but that theme and plotline kept coming back up, expanding and contracting, and ultimately just took the story in directions that were just a little too strange for me personally.

'The Thirteenth Husband' by Greer Macallister follows the adventurous life of a young heiress. Based on a true person, the novel brings Aimee to life but without a definite purpose.

I had never heard of Aimee Crocker before reading this book. What an interesting woman she was and way ahead of her time. This was a solid historical fiction, but at sometimes a little slow. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4

Based on a true life, this was a well researched story that captivated me til the end. I loved all the storylines and it was easy to read too. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher!

This is based on a true story. I go in blind to books typically, but I wish I would have read this before reading this book.

To me this book really seemed like the spiritual journey of a woman through life and death. To me she seemed very troubled, but maybe that was just a part of her trying to finding herself. Although some of her escapes through life were entertaining and I did feel sorry for her, as she just seemed like a lost soul. I didn’t love the book. Learning at the end it was based on a true story, I don’t know if I feel more inclined to like or dislike it more. It felt a bit all over the place at times.

this was an amazing book hands-down in my top 10 for the year. It was something about the writing style that it’s something I haven’t read before, and it just kept me wanting more and not wanting the book to end honestly.

Macallister’s writing is both elegant and gripping, making it hard to put the book down. The plot twists are well-executed, leaving readers on the edge of their seats. The historical elements are seamlessly woven into the narrative, providing a vivid backdrop that enhances the overall experience. If you like the Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, you'll like this book.

Thank you to NetGalley, Sourcebooks, and Greer Macallister for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of The Thirteenth Husband. It was a story about a high society woman in the early 1900's.

It was not my favorite story of Macallister's but it was well written. I guess the story fell flat for me, because I really didn't understand the whole "ghostly" part of the story. I also wasn't interested in reading about a woman, with her many loves and escapades, who was a millionaire due to her father's death. I was rather annoyed by her and all of her crazy shenanigans.

However, I did think it was well written and I was glad to see the main character found a way to be a strong woman and divorce at a time when it was rarely done.

This won't keep me from reading another novel by Macallister. I loved The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by the same author and I am confident I will enjoy more from her in the future. This book just wasn't my cup of tea.

5 out of 5 stars for another gem by Greer Macallister!! This has to be in my top 5 historical fiction books for 2024. Enjoy every page!