I loved the premise of this one but it moved so slowly and I didn’t connect to any of the characters.

I really enjoyed this book! I liked that it captured a snapshot of history and enjoyed the multiple POV that weaved the story together. I liked the mesmerism throughout the book and liked that I was left wondering what had been manipulated as a part of it and what was not. Overall, highly recommend if you like historical fiction with some mystery thrown in!

Rounding up from 2.5 - 2.75. I didn't hate this book by any means, but I didn't especially like it, either. I can't really pinpoint any particular thing that bothered me; I think there were just lots of little things that added up to a somewhat underwhelming read. Of the assorted small things that bugged me, I think the primary was that it didn't meet expectations -- there's a bit at the end of the description that claims "three bold, unforgettable women" as the main characters, but in my opinion only one of them (Abby) was 'bold' for the time/era/setting.

This story had a very unique concept. It was set in the past and revolved around a group of unmarried, pregnant women. I found this story interesting. It was easy to become engaged in the events that were occurring to these women. At this home, they were provided with an opportunity to make their current situation more positive. The author wrote this book in a way that makes it easy to become completely engrossed in what will happen next. I liked how unexpected this story was. I didn’t know what to expect when I started it, but it was definitely worth reading it!

This is the perfect fall read! Caroline Woods has created a world so engrossing, I was sad to see the book end.

The Mesmerist opens in Minneapolis in 1894 at Bethany House, a home for unwed mothers. A mysterious young woman shows up on their doorstep and sends Bethany House into quite a spin. Caroline Woods peels back the layers, bringing the reader slowly along until the very last page. This story is old school murder mystery meets historical fiction and it was a delight to read.

The Mesmerist is an eerily haunting combination of historical fiction and true crime drama. Caroline Woods has created a fascinating, well researched novel, based on the Bethany House in Minneapolis. In 1894, it was a home for unwed mothers, and provided both refuge and training for their future lives. When the mysterious, bedraggled, and mute Faith arrives on their doorstep, the atmosphere within Bethany House begins to shift as rumors swirl around her. Was she truly mute or was her prior life one of a mesmerist? She is assigned to room with May, who is enchanted by her new beau, Hal. As the past of both women is slowly revealed, past dangers converge with a frightening present. The characters that Caroline Woods has created as part of Bethany House are ones that I truly cared about, and she brought both the real and fictional women that are part of this story vividly to life. Her portrayal of the villain at the center of the crime is chilling, frightening and all too real. This book kept me “mesmerized” from beginning to end. It is a brilliant combination of the two genres of historical fiction and true crime. The author’s notes at the end are a must-read part of this book. Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for my advance copy. The opinions of this review are my own.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Caroline Woods’ The Mesmerist is a captivating historical thriller that masterfully intertwines real-life events with a richly atmospheric narrative. Set in 19th-century Minneapolis, this novel delves into the lives of women at the Bethany Home for Unwed Mothers, exploring themes of autonomy, survival, and the societal constraints of the era.

The story centers around Faith Johnson, a mysterious new arrival at the Bethany Home, who is found with bruises and a haunting silence. As rumors swirl about her being a mesmerist—someone capable of hypnotizing others—Faith’s presence stirs unease among the residents. Abby Mendenhall, the board treasurer, enlists May, Faith’s roommate, to uncover the truth behind Faith’s arrival. As May and Faith grow closer, they unravel a web of secrets that link the home to a series of local murders.

Woods excels in creating complex, relatable characters. Faith’s enigmatic nature and May’s determination to seek the truth drive the narrative forward. The dynamic between the women at Bethany Home is portrayed with sensitivity, highlighting their struggles and resilience. Abby Mendenhall’s character adds a layer of moral complexity, as she navigates the fine line between doing what is right and what is necessary.

The author’s prose is evocative, painting a vivid picture of Victorian-era Minneapolis. Woods’ attention to historical detail enriches the story, immersing readers in the period’s social and cultural milieu. The suspense builds steadily, with each revelation adding to the intrigue and tension.

The Mesmerist explores the plight of women in a patriarchal society, the power dynamics within institutions meant to protect them, and the lengths to which individuals will go to secure their freedom. The novel also touches on the spiritualism movement of the time, adding a delightful layer of mystique to the narrative.

The Mesmerist is an addictive read which combines historical fiction with a gripping mystery, coupled by the boundless friendship and a "chosen" family. Caroline Woods’ ability to weave together historical facts with a fictional plot results in a story that is enlightening and entertaining.

This book is a must-read for fans of historical thrillers and those interested in the complexities of women’s lives in the 19th century, and basically, ANYONE who enjoys being wrapped up in the warmth of wonderfully written book which transports the reader to another place and time as only the very BEST novels can.

5 stars from this grateful reader; this book DESERVES a highly ranked place on the bestseller list (it would also make a wonderful movie).

I eagerly anticipate reading MUCH MORE from this supremely talented author. If you enjoy well-crafted stories full of mysteries revealed, excellent character development, a captivating plot, and that magical essential ingredient of rare and treasured talent, you will find this book as addictively compelling as I have.

This mash up of historical fiction and murder mystery/true crime, with a touch of spookiness is a perfect fall read. Based on real historical events, The Mesmerist follows several girls at
The Bethany House, a home for unwed mothers who are dealing with traumatic pasts. When a mute, mysterious woman arrives at the House and a couple of women are found murdered, the hunt is on to figure out what secrets she is hiding.
I loved learning more about this time period and the Bethany House. The book does have a slow start and several characters are mentioned by two different names which makes it difficult at the beginning to keep track of the characters. Otherwise, I enjoyed this one and recommend it to fans of slow burn mysteries and historical fiction.

In 1894 Minneapolis spiritualism inexplicably became part of that day’s zeitgeist—a fact that intrigued me. Why then? Why there? Why did hundreds of people become consumed with mesmerists, who were the precursors to hypnotists?

The Mesmerist tells the story of how three particular women connected by Bethany Home for Unwed Mothers were affected by the fad of the day. It won’t spoil a thing to tell you how at first I thought one of the characters was “the” mesmerist but by the end of the book I saw that the title fit another. And along the way, I was mesmerized.

A fascinating subject and interesting, complex characters earned the book its stars. Tension and speculation added that “gotta-read-one-more-page” factor. But the tie to a true historical story clinched the win.

Thank you to Random House, and NetGalley for an advance reader copy.

The Mesmerist by Caroline Woods is an amazing gothic mystery with a Midwestern vibe. Loved the three POVs of the women at this home for mothers. The writing was smart and relatable! Highly recommend!

I was drawn into this one instantly. I love well researched historical novels. And this book was incredibly well researched! I actually am considering buying this in the audiobook format. I want to experience that.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of The Mesmerist.

I was intrigued by the premise and pleased my request was approved. I've never read this author before so I was eager to dive right in.

The Mesmerist is set in 1894 Minneapolis and based on real historical figures and events, focusing on the women at the Bethany Home for Unwed Mothers.

The Bethany Home was progressive for its time, offering sheltering, room, and board to unwed young women and sex workers.

When a new guest, distraught and traumatized, arrives at the home, her presence and seemingly magical abilities to hypnotize people soon get the household buzzing with rumors and sordid stories.

I liked how the author weaves historical background and true crime with her fictionalized characters, May and Faith and brings us a story most people can relate to.

You get a feel and sense of the time period, the bitter cold, the hard times of the early 19th century.

I liked the way the author writes, the tone is warm and sympathetic, and the characters were relatable and well developed.

There wasn't much suspense but it was a good historical novel and I learned quite a few things about the time period and what was happening in Minneapolis at the time.

I'll check out other books by the author.

The Mesmerist is a multi-POV story set in Minneapolis, MN surrounding a possible mesmerist (like a hypnotist) who is living in a halfway house before she gives birth. Although I found the book easy to read, I was ultimately a little disappointed in the story. I expected more mesmerism and mystery in the book but it definitely read more character driven historical fiction. I didn't feel like a lot happened in the story either. I'm not sure if that is also because I found it very predictable. Although I enjoyed this novel, it isn't one that will stick with me long term.

Thank you to Doubleday and Netgalley for a copy in exchange for review consideration.

The Mesmerist by Caroline Woods is my first book by this author. I wasn't quite sure where this story was going when I started it. The beginning was definitely creepy and eerie. It didn’t stop there. There was a fine line throughout the story between evil and good and darkness and light so as the reader you are never quite sure where each character is coming from. The story is a fictional account of a true crime. It definitely can be seen as a thriller.

The story takes place during the “Gilded Age” in Minnesota. The author’s description of the settings are wonderful. You can see the cold dark streets, feel the chill, see the unwed mother’s home. Her characters are vulnerable and somewhat relatable. This is a story of female friendship and female mistrust.

This story does not fit into one genre. It’s historical fiction, part thriller and part who done it. I was disappointed about the mesmerism. I thought, given the title, that it would pay a much larger role in the story. Walking away from the story it appeared to me that mesmerism is truly just a slight of hand.

While I love historical fiction this story was not my cup of tea. I did read the entire book but I felt it left me uninterested in the subject matter.

I would like to thank the author, Doubleday and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a fictionalized account of one of the earliest American serial killers, set in the 1890s. At first, the deaths seem unrelated, but the arrival of a mute girl, Faith, at Bethany House starts an investigation that reveals something more sinister.

I found myself so frustrated with May’s behavior with Hal. She acted so desperate and ignored so many red flags. I have a hard time with books about women being used and manipulated by men, especially when it’s considered perfectly ordinary. I realize this is a function of the times (this one is set in the 1890s) but I found it difficult to read.

The Mesmerist is a good read if you like historical fiction, women’s fiction, and some mystery. The most interesting part to me was the mystical element of “Mesmerism” and how easily people can be manipulated. I was hoping for more of that, but it sounds like the author stayed true to the historical sources that the story is based on, so I can see why it wasn’t more of a focus.

This book is hovering somewhere around a 3.5 for me, but I'm rounding up to 4 because I think my lack of enthusiasm is much more about me than the book itself. I love historical mysteries, but occasionally there's one that feels too real. The Mesmerist explores 1894 Minneapolis, looking at the unexpected (expected?) links among a home for unwed mothers, local politicians, and the wealthy. Reading the book felt like entering a maze I wasn't sure I could escape from, which means the book was quite effective, but also emotionally difficult. The fact that this book is based on historical events—the author has definitely done her research— adds to both its effectiveness and its difficulty.

I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.

3.5⭐️s rounded up. I thought it was interesting and enjoyed the fact that it was loosely based on a true story. Typically most unwed mother homes back then and even for the next number of decades were awful, corrupt places, so it was refreshing reading about a modern wholistic and progressive one in the Bethany House.

I think it was just a little on the slower side to me, with just a little about mesmerism, but ultimately not enough that I was really struggling with a is-it-real-or-isn’t-it frame of mind, just mildly so. I think I would have liked it better if I could focus deeper on one aspect of the story rather than spread on a more surface level of things, mesmerism, murder, sex trafficking, or coercion.

Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are mine.

An historical fiction and true crime novel set in Minneapolis in 1894, at a time in American history where people were enthralled with various forms of Spiritualism, apparently in the hopes of contacting their Civil War dead.

The main setting for the story is The Bethany Home for Unwed Mothers, run by a Quaker woman named Abby Mendenhall and other churchgoing society women. One of the residents at the home is a young woman named May. Her year of living at the home is coming to an end and she hopes to find a man to marry. Unfortunately for her, she is falling under the spell of a handsome, charming and mesmerizing man named Harry T. Hayward, who may have ulterior motives for his courting of the naive young woman.

The novel is an interesting look at Midwestern American life in the 1890s: how women who have fallen from the straight and narrow are treated, how hard it is for a woman on her own to support herself. May is trusting, with no one to guide her, and one can't help pity her as she bumbles along. Her lack of experience with the world make the wacky spiritualism she encounters seem even more sinister.

Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this new novel via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley, PRH Audio and Doubleday Books
for providing me with this book for free in exchange for my review! I was also lucky enough to receive an ALC from the Penguin Random House Audio Influencer Program. @prhaudio #PRHAudio #PRHAudioInfluencer
All opinions are my own.

This was a delightful historical fiction novel. It's probably cheesy to say, but I quite honestly WAS mesmerized by this book. I was not familar with the history of women being prone to mesmerization back in the lat 19th century, so I found this story utterly fascinating. I also found myself very invested in the characters and I loved how they were such strong women. It really is a shame that not much history has been discussed about these women and the boarding house, so I am very glad that Caroline Woods brought these remarkable women's story to light just over 100 or so years later.

I also had the pleasure of listening to the audiobook version of this story. I think Carlotta Brentan did a great job narrating this story and her wonderful voice is another reason I was so invested in the story.

I recommend picking up this dazzling book this fall, you don't want to miss this fabulous story!

This was such a captivating and well-realized story. From the beginning I was drawn in and I was so compelled by the plot, characters and historical aspect. This was just a really solid story, and I really enjoyed reading it!