Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an arc of this book. Unfortunately, I really couldn’t get into this book. The writing was nice, but I couldn’t get to care about the characters. The dual timelines were a great idea. I’m interested of reading more from this author.

Rating: 4 stars

I received a digital copy of this book through the publisher on NetGalley for an honest review.

The Entirely True Story of the Fantastical Mesmerist Nora Grey is a fantastical historical fiction novel that focuses on the history of spiritualism. This is explored through the perspectives of Nairna (also known as Nora Grey) and her grandmother, Lottie, who both unexpectedly discover their spiritual abilities. I enjoyed reading the perspectives of both women on what was happening in their lives and how they each confronted their newly discovered abilities, as I found learning about these spiritual experiences to be very interesting.

While both these women lived in different times, what connected them (besides the obvious) was their disdain for the circumstances they found themselves in when it came to utilizing their talents. How others manipulated both of them for personal gain, one manipulated in the name of science and research, and the other manipulated so that others could gain notoriety and be set up for life. It’s no wonder this book is full of feminine rage because both women had several people trying to use them for their gain without caring how Nairna and Lottie felt about it. And I found myself feeling empathetic towards both women as a result as I read their stories, hoping for the best for them.

What I also enjoyed about The Entirely True Story of the Fantastical Mesmerist Nora Grey was in the beginning of each chapter, the articles pertaining to the events that take place in the story. They felt like a good sneak peek into what I could expect to happen in their following chapters and helped me to piece everything that was to happen together.

I also enjoyed the different relationships that occurred throughout the story, mostly with regard to Lottie’s relationships to the women in charge of the asylum she was sentenced to stay in, and Nairna’s complicated relationship with her father, Tavish. I felt like the women in the asylum, Lottie finds herself forced to stay in, genuinely cared about her well-being, and wanted to do right by her, but unfortunately, didn’t have too much power when it came to stopping the doctors’ “experiments.” As for Nairna and her father Tavish, while I didn’t like Tavish in the beginning of The Entirely True Story of the Fantastical Mesmerist Nora Grey because of what he had Nairna help him do to survive in their world, once Nairna makes a name for herself as Nora and Lottie begins to make her appearances, I found myself feeling for him in this book. This is mostly due to him not getting the chance to know his mother all his life, and him having to find out the truth behind why that was the case through Nairna’s abilities. I felt like it was a good way for this book to show generational trauma, which made him a more sympathetic character in the story.

One of the issues I have with The Entirely True Story of the Fantastical Mesmerist Nora Grey, though, is that while I enjoyed the story, it also felt too predictable. I feel this way because it was pretty obvious once you know who Lottie is in relation to Nairna that things don’t work out for her. Especially knowing already that Tavish didn’t know either of his parents, it became clear that things weren’t going to change just because Nairna and Lottie were able to see each other, even though they lived in different times. Nairna’s story is also predictable to me because I knew already she was continuing to do these seances because of wanting to uncover the full story of what happened to her grandmother once she realized that’s who she was seeing. She also makes it clear how she feels about participating in these seances early on, so it was no surprise to me that once she finds out what she does that she decides to no longer participate in them.

I was also disappointed with the magical aspects in this book. I feel like this aspect of the story disappointed me because, as the reader, I was given insight into how these seances were made possible, and I feel like that ruined a little of the magic for me. It also felt more like science than magic to me, especially because of the way it’s explained and the way the doctors use Lottie for their experiments.

As a whole, The Entirely True Story of the Fantastical Mesmerist NoraGrey was an enjoyable read for me. I enjoyed learning more about spiritualism through Nairna and Lottie’s perspectives, seeing the theme of feminine rage throughout, and enjoying the articles at the beginning of each chapter as they gave me a sneak peek of what was to come. And I recommend this book to others reading this post who enjoy reading historical fiction that focuses on spiritualism, and those who enjoy reading books that discuss feminine rage. The Entirely True Story of the Fantastical Mesmerist Nora Grey is set to release on July 29, 2025 for those interested in giving this fantastic book a read.

At face value this books appears to be about spiritualism when in reality it’s much more complex. It addresses a wide range of subjects including difficult family ties and the lack of autonomy women have over their own lives. Beautifully written from both timelines/points of view.


Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the opportunity to read this book.

Such a fun, spooky, witchy book, I almost wish I had saved it to read during October! I loved the strong female lead and found her to be both relatable and inspiring. The descriptive language was always on point and I would absolutely recommend this book to my friends and family!

Fascinating! I couldn’t put it down. Loved the main characters, such strong women. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for a review.

This was a very intriguing book that the author tied up so well I had to sit and think for a minute when I finished the book! I loved the historical gothic vibes as well as the incredibly well written characters. The story itself was so compelling that I read this in almost one sitting- it ended up being two because of life. Excellent read!

I really enjoyed The Entirely True Story of the Fantastical Mesmerist Nora Grey and the way Kaufman combined historical fiction with spiritualism and the occult. The story is written with multiple timelines and dual POVs. There are also some document excerpts written about the events that took place in Nora and Lottie's lives, that I thought brought an extra in-depth layer to the story.

I thought Nairna/Nora was a great character, and I enjoyed seeing her grow from a timid young women who fell into the hands of those who wanted to exploit her for her abilities, into a strong woman taking control of her life. And even though I liked Nora, there was just something about Lottie's storyline that drew me in even more. Her struggles really drew me into the historical fiction aspect of the story, and what women endured during this time period.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐓𝐨 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭:
* Scottish/English Setting
* Psychics, Spirits, Occult
* Women's Rights
* Asylum Imprisonment
* Exploitation/Manipulation
* Female Rage

𝐈𝐬 𝐈𝐭 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐲?
🥶 (No)

I definitely recommend The Entirely True Story of the Fantastical Mesmerist Nora Grey, if you love magical realism, psychic connections, multi-generational stories, complicated families, and stories of women fighting through adversity. This would be a great Fall or spooky season read!

Within this book we get to enjoy the weaving of tales. The story of Nairna Liath and her charlatan father, Tavish, combines with Nairna’s spirit guide, Lottie, and gives us the full picture of the strange happenings surrounding a spiritualist in the early 1900’s.
While Nairna’s (soon to become Nora) story is one of rising to your full potential, Lottie’s story is one of desperation and the lengths we go to protect the things we love.

The author does a wonderful job of taken us between the two story lines and the addition of the letters and newspaper clippings sprinkled between chapters gives more depth. (This was actually one of my favorite parts. Little morsels of advanced knowledge to keep my interested peaked.)

All said and done, I really enjoyed the book tremendously and would recommend it to anyone who loves to read moody Victorian gothic with a twist of feminine stoicism.

Make sure you read the author’s notes at the end. Great insight as to how the book came about.

Thank you to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for the digital ARC.

I was intrigued by the title and caught by the cover, but the story serves up a historical spiritualism tale that rivets the reader to the end. Set in dual timelines, the book meshes the tale of a Nairna, (later Nora) a young woman who travels with her charlatan father, with her ancestor Lottie who is in peril in the past. Naira rises from trickery and homelessness to enter an elite spiritualist circle discovering her true ability and meeting an American star spiritualist who changes her path once again and opens the way to connect with who she is, and her heritage.

The story is beautifully written, ensconcing us in the time period and pulling us along with the hope of transformation for Nora and for salvation for Lottie. Suggested for readers of Hester Fox and Sarah Penner, I agree this will appeal to both.

“The spirits are waiting to be invited in, they watch through the glass windowpane, they scratch at the door. They are waiting for your word.”

A wondrous tale full of heart, longing and spirit (pun intended).

Nairna Liath lives her life touring remote Scottish towns with her father reading tarot cards and ‘contacting’ dead spirits. But she has a true talent for the spiritual, inherited from her grandmother Lottie. After a chance encounter, she gets swept up in early 20th century spiritualist circles, where everyone seems to want a piece of her.

I loved this story. It perfectly showed the interconnectedness of generations, and how their fates are intertwined. The spiritual aspects of the story added a mystical tone and backdrop to this story about 2 women, connected by blood, trying their best to have hope, passion and agency in a world run by others seeking to profit from them. Both Nairna and Lottie’s story filled me with heartbreak, wonder, and hope. It was a very reflective story, diving into the emotions of each character, making the injustices and manipulation they faced punch that little bit more.

Thank you Netgalley and Kensington Publishing for this ARC.

I really enjoyed this dual-POV, historical fiction novel that reached into the spiritual realm. I especially liked that it was not initially clear how the two POVs were connected. It was never confusing, but it kept me guessing for quite awhile.

The ambiance of this novel was so fun and spooky (not actually giving frights or jump scares but just the atmosphere of such). Since the characters were doing seances, the book just felt ornate, velvety, and dimly lit.

The storyline was compelling, and I really loved both of the main characters. This is one that I really wanted to keep reading to find out how everything fit together, yet wanted to read slowly enough to savor every bit of the story and setting.

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest rating and review.

5⭐️

“She was connected to nothing and everything.”

The Entirely True Story of the Fantastical Mesmerist Nora Grey was a gripping, yet heartbreaking read! The story follows two spiritually gifted women, Nairna and Lottie Liath, who are separated by 40 years and at times a continent. Set in the early 1900s and 1866, respectively, Nairna and Lottie are one bad interaction away from being branded witches. Fortunately, the study of spiritualism is on the rise. Unfortunately, both women find themselves surrounded by people who view them only as an opportunity for success.

The concept of this story immediately caught my attention and Kaufman’s execution of it did not disappoint. I loved that the story was multi-generational and that it explored the history of the spiritualism movement. I find spiritualism to be an interesting field from a social, scientific, and even religious perspective. I think Kaufman did a fantastic job depicting the skeptics and true believers, going as far as including well known figures of the movement and their contributions. Nairna and Lottie are both strong, complex women trying to survive a world that has not been kind to them - their connection a motivating force.

Kaufman noted in her author’s note and acknowledgements that much of this story was influenced by her family’s own stories and history, which I felt contributed the authenticity of the story itself. This read felt very much like listening to my grandmother spin a tale.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, the occult, and a little bit of feminine rage!

(Thank you NetGalley, Kathleen Kaufman, & Kensington for this opportunity!)

3.6/5

This historical gothic novel weaves a dark, enchanting tale steeped in heavy themes, but it falls short of the five-star mark for me, leaving me wanting more depth and intensity.

The dual timeline and perspectives are a highlight, vividly painting the world across different times and connecting the main characters’ stories.

Lottie’s arc, with its intensity and heartbreak, captivated me more than Nairna’s, though I appreciated the complex father-daughter dynamic in Nairna’s narrative.

The gradual unraveling of the plot, revealing the origins of Nairna’s supernatural abilities and Lottie’s pivotal role in her story, kept me engaged, as the book satisfyingly explains the strange occurrences that drive the narrative.

The inclusion of news excerpts and letters at the start of each chapter is a brilliant touch, grounding the story in a tangible, immersive reality and enriching the context. Kaufman’s prose is another strength; it is vibrant and vivid that every scene springs to life with ease, making visualization effortless.

However, despite a promising start that drew me in, the story loses momentum after the halfway mark. The pacing slows significantly, and the narrative becomes repetitive, failing to build toward the climactic payoff I had anticipated.

The heavy themes, such as women’s medical and legal rights and sexism in the 19th century, and magical elements like telekinesis, resurrection, mesmerism, and fortune-telling are intriguing but underexplored, scratching just the surface when they could have been delved into with greater depth and excitement.

Lottie’s ending, while quite sad, felt predictable due to clues in Nairna’s timeline, and Nairna’s conclusion was disappointingly flat and uninspired.

I also wished for more perspectives from characters like Dr. Bothelli and Sister Therese, whose roles in Lottie’s story hinted at untapped potential.

More action, heightened magical stakes, or deeper emotional resonance could have elevated the narrative, stirring the plot and making me care more deeply for the characters.

Like I said, the novel feels like it’s scratching the surface of its potential, leaving an itch for something more.

Overall, this book has much to admire: the lush prose, a haunting atmosphere, and a compelling structure, but its lack of intensity and unfulfilled promise prevent it from soaring.

Fans of gothic fiction may enjoy its dark charm and magic, but those craving a more gripping, action-packed tale might share my view for a bolder execution.

Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington Publishing for the ARC copy in exchange for my honest opinion. I have also posted the same review on Goodreads.

The Entirely True Story of the Fantastical Mesmerist is an engaging read. I enjoyed the different perspectives of the characters and looked forward to seeing how the intertwined. This book will really spark some great discussions as a bookclub book.

Nairna Laith is a young woman that makes her living by reading tarot cards and scamming her marks in the Scottish countryside. Driven on into a gypsy lifestyle by her scamming father Tavish, Nairna longs for a simple life with a respectable job. When she is discovered by well-off Rona, she embarks on a life of mesmerism, showing real gifts for the supernatural, a talent she has inherited from her grandmother Lottie, whose story is also told here.

This creative plot was steeped in a past where mesmerism was seen as the key to unlocking the mind. Making great use of its two alternating timelines of the late 1860s and the turn of the century to 1900, we are steeped in all the trappings of those years by author Kaufman's creative world building. Narrated in dual POVs between Nora (the name Nairna is given when she begins to gain fame and kudos) and the grandmother she never knew, Lottie, whose struggles to survive while being experimented on in an asylum. These two characters are beautifully brought to life here and each of their respective timelines are well crafted. An enjoyable read about an interesting moment in time. 4 stars.

I received this advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review and feedback.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Fans of Weyward will enjoy this multi-generation, time-skipping narrative that takes place at the height of the Spiritualist movement in both the British Isles and America. I really enjoyed the beginning of the book as Nora came in to her powers and Lottie found her voice in a hugely patriarchal society. The book started to lose me as their stories became interwoven. I think Kaufman would have done better to make the book a bit longer, in my opinion, to really establish and strengthen the connection between Nora and Lottie as more than that grandmother and granddaughter. The story ultimately fell flat for me, as I just didn't care as much about Nora as I did Lottie. I did enjoy Kaufman's connection to the story though, as she detailed in her author's note. Overall, 3 stars for the story but the details were lacking.

4.5 stars rounded up.
I really enjoyed The Entirely True Story of the Fantastical Mesmerist Nora Grey, a paranormal historical fiction infused with a healthy dose of female rage, set to release on July 29th. I've always been intrigued by the Spiritualist movement at the start of the twentieth century - the quasi-scientific studies, the desperation of people wanting to talk to loved ones and the many con artists preying on that desperation.

This novel features a dual timeline—one in the 1900s (Nairna) and the other in the 1860s (Lottie). Nairna is a young Scottish girl traveling with her father, deceiving people through fake séances and card readings. Though Nairna appears to possess some psychic abilities, the discovery of this talent alters her life. Newly widowed, Lottie finds herself pregnant, broke, and trapped in an asylum. Both women yearn for autonomy and a peaceful existence. Remarkably, these two women share a psychic connection, which Kaufman intricately weaves into this captivating story.

Although the story differs significantly from Weyward, I was still reminded of it. The Entirely True Story of the Fantastical Mesmerist Nora Grey is certainly a must-read for all historical fiction lovers out there! Thank you to Kensington Publishing and Netgalley for this ARC.

"As spiritualism reaches its fevered pitch at the dawn of the 20th century, a Scottish girl crosses the veil to unlock a powerful connection within an infamous asylum in this thrillingly atmospheric, exquisitely evocative exploration of feminine rage and agency for readers of Sarah Penner, Alice Hoffman, and Hester Fox.

Leaving behind a quiet life of simple comforts, Nairna Liath traverses the Scottish countryside with her charlatan father, Tavish. From remote cottages to rural fairs, the duo scrapes by on paltry coins as Tavish orchestrates "encounters" with the departed, while Nairna interprets tarot cards for those willing to pay for what they wish to hear.

But beyond her father's trickery, Nairna possesses a genuine gift for communicating with the spirit world, one that could get an impoverished country girl branded a witch. A talent inherited from her grandmother, Lottie Liath, widow of a Welsh coalminer, whose story of imprisonment and exploitation in a notorious asylum is calling out to Nairna from four decades past - a warning to break free from the manipulations, greed, and betrayals of others.

What do the cards hold for Nairna's future?

Rescued from homelessness by a well-connected stranger, Nairna is whisked into a new life among Edinburgh's elite Spiritualist circle, including visiting American star Dorothy Kellings. Researchers, doctors, psychics, and thrill-seekers clamor for the rising young medium. But after a séance with blood-chilling results, a shocking scandal ensues, and Nairna flees to a secluded community near Boston, where she assumes a new identity: Nora Grey.

But Nora can't stay hidden when Dorothy Kellings offers her the chance to face all comers and silence skeptics at a spectacular séance at Boston's Old South Meeting Hall, where Nora will come face to face at last with her spiritual guide: the courageous Lottie Liath, whose heart-wrenching story and profound messages are indelibly tied to Nora's destiny."

Yes, I'm more than a little obsessed with Spiritualism...

In her impressively imagined and deeply atmospheric novel, Kaufman explores the illuminating and alluring world of 20th century spiritualism through the entwined lives of two women bound by blood, fate, and a shared psychic gift. Set in two parallel timelines, the story of Nora and her grandmother Lottie come alive in Kaufman’s novel as she delves into mysticism to craft an enchanting and suspenseful exploration of female solidarity, rage, and agency.

During one of their staged seance encounters, Nairna’s intuitive connection to tarot cards reveals a genuine supernatural ability. Swept into the orbit of the ambitious American psychic medium Dorothy Kelling, during her time with Endinburgh’s Spiritualist circle, Nairna’s journey becomes one of self-discovery and uneasy fame. Her gifts comes with shadows that haunt her and her visions and impressions begin to unearth a legacy and a future far more haunting than she imagines. She leaves for America, after a scandal, and performs under the name of Nora Grey. What do the cards hold for Nora?

In a parallel story, set two generations ago, Lottie is a pregnant young widow, whose determination to collect the insurance owed to her after her husband dies in a mining incident lands her in an asylum. Under the guise of treatment and scientific progress, Lottie undergoes gruesome experiments aimed at weaponising her psychic abilities. Her suffering and strength form the novel’s emotional core, culminating in a spectral bond with her granddaughter across time and space.

Kaufman’s writing is lush and rich, immersing the reader into the very eerie atmosphere of psychic mediums and spirit world. Here, Kaufman’s presents the feminine power as scared and powerful, connected to the emotional core of a woman. Nairna’s transformation into Nora Grey is spell-bounding when she is freed from the control of her father and grows in the company of like-minded women such as Lady Bell, and Dorothy Kelling. Lottie’s strength in the asylum comes from the support of the nuns, one of who even helps her escape. And, of course, the bond between Lottie and Nora, their bond spanning across generations, each helping the other to escape from the shackles of patriarchal control.

Historical documents, news clippings and articles are peppered throughout the book, giving credence to the haunting and metaphysical demonstrations; some offer an alternative viewpoint of the events, adding complexity to Kaufman’s narration.

At almost 500 pages, the story of the mesmerist Nora Grey who stunned the world with her psychic abilities is a haunting, suspenseful, and emotionally resonant novel that channels the gothic tradition of story telling through a feminist lens. Kaufman delivers a tale of mysticism, madness, and maternal legacy that lingers with you long after you turn the last page.

Release: July 29, 2025
Author: Kathleen Kaufman
Publisher: Kensington

Rating: 3.5 ★ 

Set during the height of the spiritualism craze in the early 1900s, this haunting, feminist tale follows Nairna Liath, a Scottish girl with a genuine ability to communicate with spirits—a gift that’s both powerful and dangerous. Traveling the countryside with her fraudulent father, who stages fake séances while she reads tarot cards, Nairna hides her true talent, fearing it might brand her a witch. But her gift is more than inherited instinct—it’s a connection to her grandmother, Lottie Liath, a woman imprisoned decades ago in a cruel asylum, whose spirit urgently reaches out to guide and warn her.
Nairna’s life changes when she’s taken in by a wealthy patron and thrust into the world of Edinburgh’s elite spiritualist circles. Surrounded by mystics, scientists, and charlatans—including the famed American medium Dorothy Kellings—Nairna becomes a rising star. But a terrifying séance sparks a scandal that forces her to escape to America, where she reinvents herself as Nora Grey.
Even in hiding, her past and spiritual ties haunt her. When Dorothy reappears, offering Nora a high-stakes opportunity to prove herself in front of believers and skeptics alike, Nora must confront the truth behind her abilities—and her grandmother’s tragic story. The final séance at Boston’s Old South Meeting Hall will challenge everything she thought she knew, tying together past and present in a reckoning of female strength, betrayal, and spiritual legacy.
This novel truly lives up to its intriguing title. Set against a beautifully atmospheric backdrop, it tells a quiet but powerful story about women, magic, resilience, and the weight of untold histories. What I expected to be a light, whimsical tale based on the cover ended up being a much more emotional and reflective read—melancholy in places, with a strong undercurrent of longing and feminine strength.
The dual timelines worked well, gradually unraveling the mystery at the heart of the story in a slow, deliberate way. While the pacing is definitely on the slower side, it suited the tone and allowed space for rich character development. I especially appreciated the subtle ways female friendships and shared rage were portrayed—not loud or dramatic, but deeply felt and thoughtfully written.
Kaufman’s writing is lovely—quietly poetic and layered with emotion. The spiritualism and magical realism elements were compelling, especially early on, though I do wish they had been explored a bit more fully in the second half. There were times when the momentum lagged, and I found myself wanting deeper immersion—more tension, more magic, more emotional intensity.
Still, the story left an impression. It’s one of those books where you miss the characters after it’s over, and you carry their struggles with you. While it didn’t quite reach the level of magical intensity I hoped for, it was still a touching, bittersweet, and empowering read—perfect for fans of historical fiction with a mystical twist and an emphasis on the quiet strength of women.

Favorite Quote:
"she didn't have to tell Nairna the truth she sought; her heart was full of equal measures of hope and fear, and the way she unconsciously rubbed the luckentooth told Nairna that she had little experience in love."