As a huge fan of female rage, unhinge characters, and serial killers- to read it in a historical time period is quite fun. It gives a new air of fresh breath to the story. I think what was even better with this were the unexpected few images that were provided in the book as well, I was so delighted to see them.

There were some brief intense moments of violence that slowly build up more and more as you arrive to the dreaded Christmas day. Then how this book ends was absolutely fantastic. Her thoughts of basically showing young girls that they too can kill one day, it is not just a mans world. I did laugh a bit at that.

Side note- I kept picturing the parents in Matilda as Mr. and Mrs. Pounds

I really wanted to like this one, but was left a little disappointing. I did really like the writing style and a lot of the humor, but it felt like it didn’t really go anywhere. Some of the violence was off putting, and it just didn’t really pay off for me. Was still entertaining.

Thank to Netgalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.

This book had all the elements I love in horror. Unfortunately it didn't work for me. Which made it harder for me to push through.

Thank you Netgalley for this e-ARC.

This one was hard to rate. Gross and f^cked up is how I would describe it but I also think that's the point? I loved the dark humor but it was hard to be in Winnifreds head because she was such an absolute nutjob. The title was very very appropriately chosen. Reading the feast scene was the first time I have actually gagged reading a book. I don't often re-read books but I think I might have to re-read this and analyze it all again. I did not love this one as much as this authors first novel but would still give it a solid 4 stars.

This book was definitely interesting and the ending was unexpected in a good way. It felt like a short read that kept me gripped to the pages. The horror is described in beautiful prose which doesn’t necessarily make the goriness beautiful, but the way the book is written makes you feel like you’re part of the wealthy Victorian era.

What a disturbing little book!

I feel like this one needs to be made into a movie ASAP. It was predictable, but entertaining and disturbing.

Virginia Feito wrote this well and left me wanting to read more from the author, it had that horror concept and was glad it was so well done. This had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed in this horror novel. The characters were so well written and was invested in the storyline. The concept worked so well in this genre and was enjoying the overall feel of this.

I was so excited for Victorian Psycho but ended up sadly disliking it. I heard it was historical victorian female rage/horror and was immediately locked in, but the reality was much more shallow than I was expecting.

I finished the book wondering what the point was? The characters nor the plot were unique or memorable. I hate to say it but it felt like the author just wanted to capitalize on the "trend" of unhinged womanhood without putting any substance behind it.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for the free digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I won't be reading this. I've tried multiple times and haven't gotten into it. Thank you though for the opportunity. If I read it in the future I will come back and change this review.

Did Not Finish- This was a bit too extreme for me and I was thrown off by the writing style. I'm newer to this style of horror but I felt like some of the subject matter was a bit too much for the sake of shock value.

This gothic tale is a richly unsettling dive into Victorian-era secrets and psychological torment. Winifred Notty is a complex and intriguing protagonist, torn between her strict governess role and the haunting compulsions of her past. The eerie setting of Ensor House is vividly drawn, perfectly capturing a mood of creeping dread.
The story’s slow build and dark humor create a unique blend of tension and discomfort, though at times the pacing feels deliberately languid. The chilling climax lingers long after the final page.
A compelling read for fans of gothic fiction with a modern psychological twist.

Thanks Netgalley for the early copy!

If you like disturbing and gothic vibes this book has it. I really wanted to like this story but i just didn't see where the story was going. Like was there even a plot? I almost DNF it but pushed through.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an advance copy in exchange for honest feedback. This was delightfully deranged. Recommend for anyone who wants a take on American Psycho without the misogyny.

This clever but surface-level satire blends Victorian gothic with *American Psycho* style excess, offering a feminist twist on sociopathy and revenge. Winifred Notty, a murderous governess with less depth than intrigue, is hired by the detestable Pounds family to watch their vile children who are, refreshingly, allowed to be truly awful. It's clear from the start that blood will spill, but don't expect deep commentary. This is stylish, cynical entertainment—perfect for the beach, if not much beyond.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC which I read in exchange for m y honest review.

A great premise, slightly soiled by a repetitive and predictable narrative. Overall, this was enjoyable but not my favorite.

This was sooo much fun. Feito did so much in so few pages. A classic gross horror. Can't wait to read more from her.

Victorian Psycho sounded like it had potential—a dark, twisted tale set in the eerie backdrop of Victorian times—but unfortunately, it didn’t live up to my expectations. I found the story weird in a way that wasn’t compelling and overall hard to follow.

The plot felt disjointed, and the characters didn’t pull me in. I kept hoping it would all come together or build toward something satisfying, but instead it left me more confused than intrigued. The writing style might appeal to readers who enjoy abstract or experimental narratives, but it just didn’t work for me.

Bottom line: A promising concept with poor execution. If you're looking for a gripping historical thriller, this probably isn’t it.

Virginia Feito's Victorian Psycho is a daring blend of gothic horror and dark comedy, introducing readers to Winifred Notty—a governess whose unsettling charm and macabre antics make for a uniquely twisted narrative. Set against the backdrop of Ensor House, the story unfolds with a series of grotesque events that are as shocking as they are satirical.

Feito's prose is sharp and unapologetically vivid, painting scenes that are both horrifying and oddly humorous. The novel's strength lies in its ability to get away from traditional gothic tropes, offering a fresh perspective on the genre. However, the relentless barrage of grotesque imagery and the protagonist's lack of depth can make the reading experience feel overwhelming at times.

While Victorian Psycho is not for the faint-hearted, it offers a bold and unconventional take on the gothic novel. Readers seeking a darkly comedic and visceral experience may find it intriguing, though it may not resonate with those looking for nuanced character development or subtle horror.

Okay, I'll admit, I found this novel disturbingly entertaining. If you're squeamish about blood, body horror, and violence towards children and adults, this book is not for you. It's a darkly funny, gory, and disturbing read, with not a single sympathetic character in sight. Yet, I was so engrossed in the depravity of the characters, particularly our main character, Winifred Notty, that I couldn't put it down, finishing it in a single day.
Basically, poor Nanny Notty suffered a traumatic childhood, which could be seen as a contributing factor towards her psychopathy; however, I felt as though she was also a creature of nature and not purely nurture. Winifred finds work as a nanny in a wealthy household where the children are as horrendous as the children. The plot is somewhat limited, and I believe it basically exists to develop the characters in such a way that makes us, the reader, not at all sad to see them die. It is written from Winifred’s point of view, and her thoughts are amusing because she is such a wry, condescending character. Theme? Basically, it’s a story of a poor, underprivileged woman who gets a chance to exact rage and resentment against the societal group that has historically repressed and abused her, and her revenge is gloriously bloody.

Apparently this novel is being made into a movie!
Thank you to Netgalley and Liveright/Norton for the copy.

It wasn’t bad, but extremely predictable. It laid everything out in the most basic way. There was no guessing. Very odd.