Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark @Bookmarked and Netgalley @Netgalley for the e-arc. All thoughts are my own.


Aimee Crocker lived a glamourous life. But then her father died, and she inherited a fortune. She continued her life of luxury but married young and divorced shortly thereafter. She loved to travel and made her way through husbands along the way.

As she tore through millions of dollars, she left a wake of broken hearts, personal tragedy, and scandal. She was a strong and independent woman ahead of her time in the 1880’s.

Ah I wish that I would suddenly come into ten million dollars, though I don’t want anyone to die. Is that too much to ask for? Well Aimee Crocker came into ten million, but her dad died to get it. In return she lived a lavish life. I had never heard of her prior to picking up this book, and I was quite intrigued by her story. She did everything a woman of luxury would from attending balls, to traveling. She also married young. This book started out great, and it grabbed my attention. However, things kind of fell apart for me in the middle and really dragged. The ending did pick back up and it ended on a nice note. I think the author did a great job bringing the character to life, and I’m excited to see what they write next.

If you’re looking for a book with a truly interesting character, then check this one out.

The Thirteenth Husband by Greer Macallister is a historical fiction novel about Aimee Crocker, depicting her life based on true events. I really like the author's writing, and I was mostly looking forward to this because I liked Woman 99.

I don't think this novel was exactly for me - the main character believed a lot in love and the supernatural. But I did really like the author's writing, I read it relatively quickly and I will always read any of her books. Her books are always well done and never drag or are dry - which is nice for the genre.

I would give this 3/5, it's worth a read for anyone who likes the author or wants to know more about the main character. In the Author's Notes it seems much of what's in the book is true.

Thank you to Sourcebooks and Netgalley for the Arc!

I started this book but it wasn't really for me. I very much enjoyed Arctic Fury, but I couldn't get into this one. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review

Thank you to Greer Macallister and team for this ARC through NetGalley. Honestly, I don’t think this book was for me. It took a while for me to finish this one, as I wasn’t really into it. It seem to drag for me, and I found some aspects confusing. Overall, it was okay, just not my forte.

You can always rely on Macallister to provide impeccable research and dynamic true-to-life women ahead of their time (The Arctic Fury, Woman 99, Girl in Disguise, The Magician’s Lie) and The Thirteenth Husband doesn’t disappoint.

However, what sets this book apart from her other historical fiction works is a richer, more nuanced first-person perspective of the real heiress Aimee Crocker (1864-1941). Crocker’s life was complicated, exciting, and sometimes tragic, and we get to sit beside her as it all unfolds. Macallister doesn’t make her a heroine or a villainess—just a complex, multi-dimensional woman who refused to simply be an ornamental fixture as per society’s expectations.

The book also touches on Crocker's eventual desire to control her narrative and the public perception of her actions by simply telling her truth and experiences, revealing her to be an influencer of historical significance. Macallister always finds a way to weave a connection between current and past women's issues and exploring that meaning.

Greer Macallister paints an intriguing woman, Aimee Crocker, who was larger than life and wholly unapologetic in the way she lived her life. I'm not sure if we should love Aimee Crocker or despise her. In the end, it wouldn't have mattered to Aimee. Take her or leave her, at least Aimee lived life on her own terms.

Historical fiction isn't my go to genre, but with the blurb promising a dash of Haunting of Hill House crossed with a story that felt like a celebrity-of-her-times, I thought this would speak to me. What I didn't realize was that Aimee is a real person and only some of the details are fictionalized – I think I would've enjoyed the story a lot more knowing that in advance. The book started out strong, but it felt like the pacing slowed down and became repetitive in the middle. Some other reviewers mentioned not understanding the why behind this story being told, and I can see that too, because while I was intrigued to see how her prophecy was fulfilled and who the woman she was seeing would end up being, I was also a little bit bored in the middle of the book.

Overall, I did enjoy it, and I'm interested in reading Aimee's own work about her life!

Read this book if you enjoy stories about real historical women with lives that are almost unbelievably extravagant This book is based on the real life of Amy Crocker mixed with a bit of supernatural that adds an interesting angle to Amy's experiences.

Fair warning, Amy is definitely self-absorbed. If you don't like narcissistic characters or morally gray ones, then this might not be the book for you. However, knowing this is based on a real woman kept me hooked. Her personality also means she has no problem breaking the rules and doesn't let society confine her to the typical home-based role. Sometimes I found myself wondering if she was a woman chafing at the old-fashioned ideals of her time, or a reckless heiress who got away with her actions because of her money, or perhaps a bit of both. That made her feel very human and believable to me. I think this is the perfect example of a book where a person's very human and infuriating self-absorption will turn some readers off, but it's also very realistic to that personality type and a great read for those who like exploring those kinds of morally gray characters.

“Another traveler might have cursed herself for coming all this way without arranging things more firmly beforehand, but I’ve never been that kind of traveler.”

“Even the mistakes that I made were worth making. I would make them again too.” – AC

“And if I could live it again, this very long life of mine, I would love to do so. And the only difference would be that I would try to crowd in still more … more places, more things, more women, more men, more love, more excitement.” - AC

This historical fiction novel is based on the real life Amy (later Aimée) Crocker (1864-1941). Or, if you prefer to include all the names of this serial bride, Amy Crocker Ashe Gillig Gouraud Miskinoff (Prince) Galitzine. She had an extraordinary skill of always selecting a husband in his twenties, even when she was decades beyond that age herself. World traveler, writer, bon vivant, sexually promiscuous, fabulously wealthy, drawn to spiritualism and mysticism, proudly scandalous, Amy lived a brash and extraordinary life.

Born in San Francisco to a wealthy industrialist and a mother who placed great emphasis on virtue and decorum, Amy was devastated when her beloved father died. She was only ten years old, and her father’s will left her a princely sum of ten million dollars.

I flew through the first half of this beautifully written novel, devouring the recounting of her life, flirtations, marriages, love affairs and her life in New York, Hawaii, Japan and India. Her strong voice and headstrong intent on flouting societal rules made for a heady read. I also loved that each chapter heading was a quote from Amy’s memoir “And I’d Do It Again”.

It slowed for me midpoint, largely because Amy is, essentially, a narcissistic personality and we are very much trapped in her self-absorbed brain. She speaks constantly about friends, but we never meet them past her 20s. I felt only her relationship with her mother grounded her a bit and we were able to see another side of her. Once her mother died, I felt that was lost. I also would have enjoyed a bit more reflection about the world changing around her. She’s living in Paris at the time and there’s barely a mention of WWI.

Regardless, this is a well written and well researched fiction of a bohemian woman who never met a rule she didn’t intend on breaking. A highly enjoyable read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy - all thoughts are my own.

This book was not for me; I did not understand the point of it. Was Amy Crocker a spirited woman confined by the norms of her time, or was she a careless and reckless heiress whose money protected her from the consequences of her actions? Maybe she was both, but I did not come away from the book with a feeling of why I should care. Three stars because with historical fiction, the author would have had to undertake a lot of research to shape the story and I can appreciate the amount of work that went into writing the book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book had a gripping plot that had me hooked from the get go. you get immersed into the Aimee's world going through her life and all her husbands, this story was extravagant. Greer Macallister wrote this as close to the truth with minimal altercations, I would recommend this book to readers

The Thirteenth Husband by Greer McCallister is centered on the fabulously wild and real life of Aimee Crocker. I had never heard of Aimee until this novel, and I absolutely adored the introduction into this larger than life Gilded Age character that McCallister gave us.

As a young child, upon the death of her father, Aimee Crocker inherited his fortune, leading her to lead a wonderfully fabulous life that almost borders fiction. She marries her first husband at the age of 18, and divorces him only shortly down the road in a sensational, news grabbing trial, where her secrets are flaunted by her husband’s attorney, and custody of their daughter is awarded to her husband even after he publicly and nastily kidnapped her. Once free, Aimee Crocker begins to live a life that many women of her time would have been very jealous of. Traveling the world, doing as she pleased when she pleased, and answering only to herself. In her travels she meets many a man who catches her fancy, finding herself wedded and divorced by the end of her life with no less than five men, including a prince! But at each crossroad of her life, Aimee finds herself visited by a mysterious, ghostly women in white.

Even her children brought more fame to her name, including the adopted daughter who had an affair with Aimee’s fourth husband. If Aimee was alive today, she would’ve been all over the celebrity gossip magazines and she would’ve laughed to see what they wrote about her. She lived her life on her terms, and in a time where many did not live at all, she had a full and long one.

I did find at times that the novel did move a bit slow in certain parts, but I still read this book in under 12 hours and thoroughly enjoyed it. I look forward to seeing more novels by Greer McCallister. I would highly recommend this novel for fans the Gilded Age, and those who enjoy a bit of the mystical.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for the advance reader copy!

In "The Thirteenth Husband," Greer Macallister paints a mesmerizing portrait of the enigmatic heiress Aimee Crocker, whose life was a whirlwind of wealth, scandal, and independence in the late 19th century. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Macallister brings to life the captivating journey of a woman who defied societal expectations at every turn.

Aimee Crocker's adventures take readers on a captivating journey across continents, from the bustling streets of San Francisco to the exotic landscapes of the Far East. Macallister's evocative prose and attention to detail immerse readers in the opulence and intrigue of Gilded Age society, where Crocker's larger-than-life persona commanded attention at every turn.

Despite her flamboyant exterior, Macallister skillfully peels back the layers of Crocker's character to reveal the complex woman beneath the surface. Through Crocker's scandalous marriages, audacious exploits, and unwavering independence, Macallister explores themes of identity, resilience, and the pursuit of happiness in a world that often sought to confine her.

"The Thirteenth Husband" is more than just a historical novel; it is a compelling exploration of one woman's quest for freedom and fulfillment in a time of immense societal upheaval. Macallister's meticulous research and engaging storytelling make this book a captivating read from beginning to end, leaving readers spellbound by the indomitable spirit of Aimee Crocker and her extraordinary life.

Book review number two!

First and foremost, thank you so much to @netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book!

To be honest, I didn’t realize Aimee Crocker was an actual person. I know, I know, it’s historical fiction and usually real people are involved, but I honestly didn’t think that this was historical fiction.

It was so well written that I thought it was Aimee herself.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Learning about this woman’s life was just so fascinating. She was a very independent, assertive woman which was incredibly awesome in her time.

I don’t want to say too much so I don’t give too much away, but this book is coming out on August 6, 2024 and if you have any interest in historical fiction at all, this book will definitely be something you’ll enjoy!

Props to Greer Macallister on an excellent book! 🫶🏻

#thethirteenthhusband #netgalley #bookreview #aimeecrocker #historicalfiction

Compulsively readable and absolutely outrageous – all the more so as this novel tells the story of real-life heiress Aimee Crocker. Not particularly likeable, but extremely formidable, Aimee Crocker lived a fascinating life. Born into extreme wealth in the 1860s, she lived a life full of exploration, indulgence, love and loss through a string of men and across multiple continents until her death in the 1940s. She had the wealth and means to live a life of her own choosing, at a time when such liberties and opportunities were not readily available to women. Knowing her extreme wealth is what allowed her to live such an unconventional life does not make it any less fascinating.

Greer Macallister provides Aimee with a strong voice that immediately grabs your attention and pulls you into the story. Then she does not let go. She applies the narrative voice skillfully and uses it to add an additional layer to the story. Well-written and well-researched [don’t skip the Author’s Note and Conversation with the Author for more interesting information and insights], this historical fiction (with a healthy dash of mysticism) is a very satisfying read.

Thanks to NetGalley, Greer Macallister, and Sourcebooks for an advanced copy of this book.

An engaging read about a woman who was ahead of her time. Aimee Crocker seems to have it all but as with most people who do, there is something missing. And for her it was enduring love. It is fascinating to note that this book is based off of the exploits of a real life heiress. Her life seemed to be pure fiction. The only thing that was a bit off putting was the way the story flew between her exploits, there are some moments I wished had longer chapters. But overall a great read.

Loved the way the book is written considering it is based on real life. It is a good mix of fiction and real but written in an interesting manner to catch attention.

The book makes you feel for the character. Amy is way before her time in terms of her choices, lifestyle and persona. The book highlights how a society isn't ready for a strong women and the double standards, doubts and compromise. I also liked the mix of supernatural in the book which made it interesting.

Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks for this e-arc in exchange of my unbiased review.

WOW this was some story and then to find out it was based on a real woman's life, oh my. Can't say I loved this one though. Almost quit reading it twice. Aimee Crocker had some life apparently but I just came away feeling like she was a spoiled rich girl doing what she wanted and getting away with it because she had money. I did learn about catalepsy and that you could die from tonsillitis. The visits to the psychics and her tarot card use added interest but overall I don't think I'll be recommending this one.

13 husbands...what? Unbelievable! But what really is unbelievable, is the amount of life Amy Crocker crams into her living years (1864-1941).

"The Thirteenth Husband" by Greer Macallister is essentially the life story of Amy.

From early childhood days through her loves and husbands, criss crossing the world. I loved the different settings. Amy is a lady ahead of her time...assertive, sensual and luckily for her, well monied, so she can live life on a whim. She seems to be able to attract men, like a moth to a light. Was it her money or her sense of fun....outrageous for the period.

Deep down I feel sorry for Amy....did she ever really know herself? She surprisingly does "see" herself in a sneaky suprise near the end.

Such a fascinating and entertaining read which I really enjoyed. True life is often stranger than fiction...especially when a sassy woman is involved. Greer Macallister skillfully immerses us in Amy's world, as if in her own words. While based mainly on true events, tweaks and additions do not detract from the flow...in fact enhance it.

Thanks to NetGalley, Greer Macalister and Sourcebooks for my copy.

First thank you to Greer Macallistet and NetGalley for the early access to The Thirteenth Husband. I had no idea this was based kn a real woman however the comparison to the fictional Evelyn Hugo had me intrigued!

"A scandalous tell-all narrated by the glamorous Aimee Crocker. The novel details everything from her mischievous days in German finishing school to dinners with Hawaiian royalty to lavish Astor parties in Manhattan, but behind Aimee’s public notoriety, there’s private pain."

I love Aimee's spirit and how she lived in a world that wasn't quite ready for her. If you love historical fiction, please check it out. 3.25 stars rounded down