A sharp and spirited gothic delight.
Meyers delivers a lively blend of gothic mystery and comedic horror. Though descended from a long line of powerful witches, Mallory Fontaine’s only real talent is seeing ghosts—a gift that rarely pays the bills. With her sister, she sells fake spells and leads tours through the mansion where the first Saphir murders occurred. When Armand Saphir, heir to the infamous Le Bleu legacy, hires her to banish his ancestor’s ghost, Mallory leaps at the chance—until a new murder at the château places her squarely at the center of the investigation.
Meyers excels at balancing creativity with sharp character dynamics. The château becomes an entertaining backdrop, its eerie atmosphere softened by witty banter, clever twists, and the ghosts of murdered wives. As a Bluebeard retelling, the novel transforms the folktale’s dark warnings into a story of agency and female power. The Fontaine sisters shine, but Mallory steals the show with her snark, spontaneity, and reckless charm. She drives the story with grit and humor. The romance, however, feels muted; Armand’s distant characterization weakens the tension between them. Despite all this, short chapters, smooth pacing, and well-placed humor make this retelling both engaging and refreshingly fun.
Pub date November 4, 2025
ISBN 978-1250320957
Price $20.99 Paperback
