Like others have mentioned, this is a very character-driven book and to be honest, I didn't really like the main character. I know she was meant to be a privileged aristocratic lady but she just seemed stuck up and out of touch. There were no real compelling plot lines moving the story along so I felt it dragged. I do like Greer Macallister's books so I'll continue to read them, but this one fell flat for me. I received a free copy of this book from netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

The Thirteenth Husband by Greer Macallister was about Aimee Crocker, an heiress, who lived between 1864 and 1941. Aimee became an heiress when her father suddenly died when Aimee was just ten years old. She inherited ten million dollars which over the years of Aimee Crocker’s life became a hindrance, burden and a way to satisfy her quest for fame, adventure and travel. Aimee was a strong, independent woman, a woman that was considered to be ahead of her time. She led a glamorous and privileged life and was married and divorced several times. She had one husband that she was head over heels in love with who died an early death. Her travels took her to Hawaii, India and other places as well. Aimee often found the press going out of their way to place Aimee in the spotlight even though she tried to avoid their attention at all costs. Throughout Aimee’s life, she was drawn to psychics, fortune tellers and tarot card readers to help her navigate her future.

Although, I found Aimee Crocker’s life entertaining at times, sad at other times and sometimes even frustrating there were no major contributions that she made to society that warranted a book about her life in my opinion. She went through men like water but did not marry thirteen times as the title suggests. Although The Thirteenth Husband was well written and was historically correct for the most part, it lacked substance. I listened to audiobook that was narrated very well by Suzanne Toren.

Thank you to Recorded Books for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of The Thirteenth Husband by Greer Macallister through Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.

This is a very character driven story. I really don't like the main character very much, she us interesting but not nice. Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook

I just finished The Thirteenth Husband by Greer Macallister - Narrated by Suzanne Toran and here are my thoughts.


Aimee Crocker is an unlikely millionaire. After her father passes and leaves her a vast portion of his wealth, Aimee has the world at her feet. Except marriage is all a woman is good for but Aimee is a force to be reckoned with. She sees a figure the night before her father dies and nothing's the same after. With the dark pull of the occult and magic, Aimee tries to shed the disasters that befall her but no matter how she reinvents herself, fate has a way of balancing her scales.

This book was so well done! I didn’t know what to expect when I read the synopsis but it wasn’t this work of art.

Aimee is wild! She doesn’t want to be what society dictates and she has the money to be whatever she wants and weather the scandal. I liked her. She is fierce and honest with a lot of sass. We pretty much see her whole life through this book and you can see how everything that happens to her, moulds her into a slightly different person.

The storyline was absolutely amazing and I loved the balance of character development and plot. It’s not often done with such panache but I loved every moment. I listened to the audio (I loved it) and I read along with my kindle for parts too. It was brilliant no matter how I read it.

I highly recommend this book to anyone but especially if you love a more mystical historical fiction.

4.5 stars. Thank you @netgalley and @bookmarked for my gifted ALC and ARC.

#thethirteenthhusband #greermacallister #historicalfiction #alc #arc #netgalley #audiobooklover #bookstagrammer #bookishblog #readersofig #igreads #instagramreader #sourcebooks

So if you loved The 7 Husbands you will either love or hate this book. The narrator was amazing. The story was ok. The amount of travel and adventure was top notch. The plot, however, was boring as this has already been done in a very popular book.

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.

First line: I arrived in Spain fresh off the boat from Hawaii, twenty-three years old and reeling from my first divorce, in search of a woman I didn’t know was already dead.

Summary: Just minutes before the death of her father, Aimee Crocker sees the mysterious Woman in White, who will continue to appear before each tragedy of her life. But rather than let these dark omens control her, she uses her inherited fortune to live a lifestyle the women of her day could not even imagine. She travels the world, accumulates husbands and creates scandal with her nonconformist lifestyle. And as her life progresses she continues to see the Woman in White who seems to have a secret she is still not ready to share with Aimee.

My Thoughts: Greer Macallister is a fantastic writer. Her debut novel, The Magician’s Lie, was superb. She has written many good stories with strong willed women. This one is no different. Aimee is a based on a real life heiress who lived life on her own terms. She married who and when she wanted. She traveled the world and lived freely in all types of society. Her life was truly perfect for a historical fiction novel.

I found it a very interesting read leading me to look up facts and pictures online of the people involved. In a time when women were limited in nearly every aspect of their lives, Aimee defied convention. At times the story seemed to stall but it was still worth reading and learning about this fascinating woman.

American heiress Aimee Crocker lived an unorthodox life: a fan of the theater, a wife to many many men, and a believer in the mystical. Her lifestyle did not fit the social caste she heralded from, and her mother in particular was not a fan of her antics.

Though hard to believe some of Aimee’s exploits, it shouldn’t surprise the reader as she literally had all the money and time in the world to do as she pleased, especially once she gained the moniker of divorcee. Her laissez faire attitude about life was unconventional for a woman of her time period, and though she seemed to care a little about what was published about her, it was not enough to change her behavior.

Somewhat misleading, Aimee did not have thirteen actual husbands, a fact I wondered about when seventy five percent of the way through the novel we were only at husband four or five. Though Aimee is somewhat intriguing in theory, I quickly tired of her behavior and privilege and found her exceedingly annoying.

It’s obvious the amount of research Greer Macallister put into the novel and care crafting her novel, but it was not enough for me to like Aimee Crocker. I much preferred Artic Fury, Macallister’s previous novel, as the women of that story were far more inspiring and brave.

Thank you to NetGalley, Recorded Book, and author Greer Macallister for the advanced copy of the audiobook. The Thirteenth Husband is out now! All opinions are my own.

4 stars.*

I really enjoyed this title. I expected it be fairly predictable re-imagined historical fiction. It was that, but it was also exceptionally juicy and surprisingly risque. I've not read anything else by Greer McAllister but I will definitely be keeping my eye out for other titles.

A great "twist"

Enjoyed this one a lot.

*with thanks to NetGalley for the audible ARC in exchange for this honest review.

Based on the tumultuous story of real-life heiress, Aimee Crocker, The Thirteenth Husband is part-biography/part-fiction set in the 1880s about a trailblazing woman well ahead of her time. In fact, Crocker was known for her well-publicized divorces (something unheard of for a woman to be able to legally initiate in the 19th century, but Crocker didn’t let much get in her way) her cross-continental travels, her countless extravagant parties, and, of course, for her collection of husbands and lovers along the way. She also had a strong fondness of tattoos, Buddhas, and snakes as part of her bohemian lifestyle.

Although Crocker had her fair share of marriages, the title of this book is a bit misleading. When Aimee is ten years old, a fortune teller her that her thirteenth husband will bury her. Moments later, Aimee’s father dies of a heart attack, and she becomes a multi-millionaire heiress. Greer Macallister takes us further into Crocker’s world as she tears through millions of dollars and a collection of husbands, leaving a trail of public scandal and private tragedy in her wake.

What worked for me as a lover of historical fiction was learning about Aimee Crocker for the first time and needing to know everything I could about her thanks to Macallister’s brilliant portrayal of her life. Naturally, I took to Google many times through the audiobook. Who can’t help but be captivated by a woman who shattered societal norms during a time when women had very few rights?

What didn’t work for me was the narration. I didn’t like particularly like Suzanne Toren for this, although I’ve enjoyed her in many other audiobooks.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks/Landmark for this ARC. My review can also be found on Goodreads linked below.

This story, although knowing its historical fiction, was quite out there. She was quite the woman even for that day. I did enjoy the audio of this.

This book introduced me to the amazing life of a socialite living ahead of her time. Before I read this, I had never heard of Aimee Crocker. After reading this, I feel down a deep Internet hole researching her life. The audiobook was captivating start to end as I learned about all of the ways Aimee shirked the conventions of her time, and while the biography was fictionalized at some points, overall it portrays the key moments of her life with accuracy. I loved that each chapter started with a quote from the real Aimee Crocker. Overall, this was a great and enjoyable read!

Before this book i had never heard of Amee Crocker or her adventures. I found this book to be full of OMG moments. After reading this book i find myself wanting to learn more about this Ms. Crocker.

I tend to gravitate toward historical fiction that has real people as the inspiration so when I saw that was indeed the case with this book I knew I had to read it. There is only one pov told in first person narrative made this feel like I was reading straight from Aimee Crocker’s journal. This starts in the late 1870s and follows her life story which was, in fact, quite different from what the norm was in those days. Her life was quite fascinating to learn about.

There was a mystical aspect woven into the story (the titanic anicdote was particularly chilling) and for most of the book I thought it worked but then at the end it felt like it took a turn into a lengthy experience and my attention waned. The last 10% definitely how I felt about the book but the authors note helped me understand the why of it all, which I really appreciated.

Thank you RBMedia for the alc via Netgalley

Greer Macallister’s “The Thirteenth Husband” is a masterful blend of historical fiction, mystery, and psychological drama that grips the reader from the very first page. Set against a richly detailed backdrop, the novel delves into the life of its enigmatic protagonist, seamlessly intertwining themes of identity, survival, and the quest for justice.

Macallister’s narrative prowess is evident in her meticulous attention to historical detail, painting a vivid picture of the era in which the story unfolds. The protagonist’s journey is both compelling and heart-wrenching, as she navigates a world fraught with danger and deception. Each twist and turn in the plot is expertly crafted, keeping readers on the edge of their seats and eagerly turning pages.

One of the standout aspects of “The Thirteenth Husband” is its deep character development. The protagonist is complex and multifaceted, her motivations and fears laid bare in a way that evokes both empathy and admiration. The supporting characters are equally well-drawn, each contributing to the rich tapestry of the narrative and adding layers of intrigue and emotional depth.

Macallister’s prose is elegant and evocative, bringing to life the settings and emotions with a lyrical quality that enhances the reading experience. Her ability to create tension and maintain suspense is exceptional, making “The Thirteenth Husband” not just a historical novel but a thrilling mystery that explores the darker aspects of human nature and the resilience of the human spirit.

Overall, “The Thirteenth Husband” is a standout work that showcases Greer Macallister’s talent as a storyteller. It is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and mystery, offering a captivating and thought-provoking journey that lingers long after the final page is turned. Macallister has once again proven her ability to craft a narrative that is both engaging and profound, cementing her place as a formidable voice in contemporary fiction.

Aimee Crocker. So much has happened to her, how shall she start her story? She decides to start in the middle. Like a flash of light she lit up the 1880s, lovers, husbands, she wasn't a woman destined to be a meek and good little wife. A remarkable adventure! Thanks to NetGalley for the arc/audiobook.

At first I thought this was an attempt to strike the same fire as Evelyn Hugo. However, once I realized Aimee was a real person, I enjoyed the story more. But, ultimately I didn’t enjoy this enough to finish passed 50%. Too much of this seemed fiction, and I think I’d rather just read an actual biography.


Also, the narrator is terrible. As someone who is very sensitive to sound, I had an awful time listening to this. The narrator’s mouth was so dry that I could hear her lips smacking each time she paused.

The Thirteenth Husband is based off a real woman in the late 1800s, early 1900s. I found the narrator to be alright, nothing to write home about. The story overall is very interesting- I love that it's based off reality! If historical fiction is your thing, you should give this book a try! Aimee is such an interesting woman who wanted love and obviously had a hard time with it.

Aimee Crocker became a millionaire at the age of ten following the sudden death of her father. Determined to live life to the fullest, she embarked on a journey of extraordinary experiences that led to a turbulent and adventurous existence. Defying the restrictive norms imposed on women in the late 1800s, Aimee carved out a unique and daring lifestyle.
In her quest for love and companionship, she remained vulnerable not always happy, and often reflecting on her mistakes. Her relentless pursuit of adventure took her across the globe, immersing herself in diverse cultures and forming relationships with various men. Throughout her travels, Aimee also sought to unravel the mystery of the enigmatic white woman who appeared whenever someone close to her was about to die.
This historical fiction offers an easy and enjoyable listening experience, enhanced by the well-suited voice of the female narrator.

So, every time I’m reading a book, and I stop to go BING something because of the book…that’s the sign of a good book to me! If I’m reading it, and I start to think…well, this can’t actually be based on a real person, or a real life saga…can it?? And then I find out that it actually IS based on someone??!!
Well, just wow!!

Aimee Crocker was apparently a REAL LIFE Heiress! Back in the late 1800’s! And honestly, the stuff in this book shocks me now! So, it must’ve been absolutely harrowing to the people from that generation!!

She seems to be larger than life, in so many ways!!
And, ahead of her time…like, way, way ahead!!

We open up with her as a young girl…and the experience of losing her father young…and at the same time, inheriting an awful lot of money…

Her Mom is a huge presence in her life…but so are boys. And she can’t seem to get enough of them!

We go on to see her get married, secretly, and Very Young…which has to end in disaster, right??

And we follow her through many, varied social circles and outings, and balls, and introductions to the Very Elite from all over the world!

But it is NOT all fun and games.
We watch as she experiences hardship after hardship…and looks like there’s no relief in site. (Kind of reminded me of the Kennedy curse…)

But finally, she does find real love…lasting love, ❤️❤️ and peace…and fulfillment. But at what cost??

And, of course, nothing lasts forever…. Right??

This one brings out so many raw emotions, and yet, you can’t wait to get to the next page, or saga…
Love. Family. Boys. Men. Astrology. Tarot readings. Magicks. Illusions. Alcohol and drugs… and…dogs…

And in the end, so much of it seems to come together in the long run…but, still sad on so many levels!

Kudos to Ms. Crocker for giving so many a run for the money back in the good old days!!

Oh…and how about that book cover?? So pretty! So old fashioned!! ❤️

Thanks to #NetGalley and #RBMedia, #RecordedBooksMedia for an ARC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review!

This is actually due to be released TODAY, 8/6/24…so I’m happy that I received it yesterday…just under the cutoff!! You can look 👀 for it now!!

4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me!

#TheThirteenthHusband by #GreerMacallister and narrated nicely by #SuzanneToren.

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