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Spitting Gold
A deliciously haunting debut for fans of Sarah Waters and Sarah Penner set in 19th-century Paris, blending gothic mystery with a captivating sapphic romance as two estranged sisters—celebrated (and fraudulent) spirit mediums—come back together for one last con.
Paris, 1866. When Baroness Sylvie Devereux receives a house call from Charlotte Mothe, the sister she disowned, she fears her shady past as a spirit medium has caught up with her. But with their father ill and Charlotte unable to pay his bills, Sylvie is persuaded into one last con.
Their marks are the de Jacquinots: dysfunctional aristocrats who believe they are haunted by their great aunt, brutally murdered during the French Revolution.
The scheme underway, the sisters deploy every trick to terrify the family out of their gold. But when inexplicable horrors start to happen to them too, the duo question whether they really are at the mercy of a vengeful spirit. And what other deep, dark secrets may come to light?
Paris, 1866. When Baroness Sylvie Devereux receives a house call from Charlotte Mothe, the sister she disowned, she fears her shady past as a spirit medium has caught up with her. But with their father ill and Charlotte unable to pay his bills, Sylvie is persuaded into one last con.
Their marks are the de Jacquinots: dysfunctional aristocrats who believe they are haunted by their great aunt, brutally murdered during the French Revolution.
The scheme underway, the sisters deploy every trick to terrify the family out of their gold. But when inexplicable horrors start to happen to them too, the duo question whether they really are at the mercy of a vengeful spirit. And what other deep, dark secrets may come to light?
304 pages, Hardcover
First published May 14, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 446 reviews
August 9, 2024
this is a book about sisters, scams, paris, magic, sapphic romance, and ghosts.
that's like 6 of my 10 all time favorite things.
turns out it also has a lot of my least favorites.
what it doesn't have enough of is story. it's not even 300 pages long and yet we don't have enough content to cover us! we try our hand at multiple perspectives (all my homies hate multiple perspectives) that cover the SAME TIMELINE, resulting in the first 200 pages becoming totally redundant as we sit through the same story once more. 150 pages of the first pov, 100 pages of the next one telling the same story, all with a slow pace and an actual plot beginning at the halfway point. by the time we catch up to where the first perspective left off we have less than 50 pages to go.
did that description make sense? it was so surreal as i was reading it i'm struggling to capture the experience.
and the bummers continued apace. this is allegedly set in paris, but it has literally 0 atmosphere and contains a bizarre choice to write one perspective in what i can only describe as "old-timey british dialect." two unredeemed, deeply annoying protagonists were the killing blow.
the writing and synopsis aren't quite my cup of tea, but i thought this could be the exception to the various rules in my hater's heart.
throw in a bunch of unresolved thoughts about familial abuse, suicide, depression, infertility, motherhood, social class, and love...and it's safe to say it was not.
bottom line: it was the best of tropes, it was the worst of tropes.
(thanks to the publisher for the copy)
that's like 6 of my 10 all time favorite things.
turns out it also has a lot of my least favorites.
what it doesn't have enough of is story. it's not even 300 pages long and yet we don't have enough content to cover us! we try our hand at multiple perspectives (all my homies hate multiple perspectives) that cover the SAME TIMELINE, resulting in the first 200 pages becoming totally redundant as we sit through the same story once more. 150 pages of the first pov, 100 pages of the next one telling the same story, all with a slow pace and an actual plot beginning at the halfway point. by the time we catch up to where the first perspective left off we have less than 50 pages to go.
did that description make sense? it was so surreal as i was reading it i'm struggling to capture the experience.
and the bummers continued apace. this is allegedly set in paris, but it has literally 0 atmosphere and contains a bizarre choice to write one perspective in what i can only describe as "old-timey british dialect." two unredeemed, deeply annoying protagonists were the killing blow.
the writing and synopsis aren't quite my cup of tea, but i thought this could be the exception to the various rules in my hater's heart.
throw in a bunch of unresolved thoughts about familial abuse, suicide, depression, infertility, motherhood, social class, and love...and it's safe to say it was not.
bottom line: it was the best of tropes, it was the worst of tropes.
(thanks to the publisher for the copy)
April 15, 2024
I believe this is the author's debut novel. Spitting Gold is set in 19th century Paris where sisters Sylvie and Charlotte have a history of working as spirit mediums. Now Sylvie is married to a Baron and has put this seedy part of her life behind her. Then Charlotte appears and persuades her to help in one more charade.
I enjoyed the first part of the book written from Sylvie's point of view. The characters were mostly unlikeable but they were strong and the setting was realistic. However there was something wrong, for me at least, in the second half of the book when Charlotte's version took over. I found my mind wandering as I read. I also thought the whole tale was predictable and the prologue should definitely have been omitted.
Nevertheless many people are loving this book. For me it was just okay.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I enjoyed the first part of the book written from Sylvie's point of view. The characters were mostly unlikeable but they were strong and the setting was realistic. However there was something wrong, for me at least, in the second half of the book when Charlotte's version took over. I found my mind wandering as I read. I also thought the whole tale was predictable and the prologue should definitely have been omitted.
Nevertheless many people are loving this book. For me it was just okay.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
August 9, 2024
Can't imagine a worse fate than being a Virgo, eldest sister and having a Piscis baby-sister, honestly.
4.5/5!
4.5/5!
January 6, 2024
this was incredible, right from the start. i missed reading a good mystery, and this brought me back.
writing — ⋆⋆⋆⋆
this is such a genuinely funny book. so many scenes where i couldn't keep the smile off my face. the dialogue, especially charlotte's lines, is commendable. one thing i will say is that it's not really as gothic or paranormalesque as the blurb would have you believe. it's a very straightforward, logical mystery. i would have preferred something of the former, but this was still enjoyable.
worldbuilding — ⋆⋆⋆⋆
this book isn't fantasy, but i found the paris established within its pages a complete delight. i love historical fiction set during this time period, and lowkis did an excellent job bringing it to life.
plot — ⋆⋆⋆½
this had twist after twist after twist. i was completely hooked. very well planned, with no holes i can see, with the mystery being completely solved, and the character motivations being thoroughly explained. however, there was too much buildup to be proportionate to what the ending was. spoiler, it was boring.
structuring — ⋆⋆⋆
the structuring, however? i can't say i was a fan from the beginning. switching from sylvie's pov in the first half to charlotte's in the second with no warning was jarring. objectively, the two opposing perspectives added more tension to the story, and structuring it this way rather than alternating every chapter did make the reveal more impactful. i just personally wasn't a fan.
characters — ⋆⋆⋆½
florence, my one love. i disliked at least either charlotte or sylvie throughout 90% of the book, and both of them at least 25% of the time. which isn't a fault, i think they're written to be purposefully hateable. i think lowkis has an immense talent for stirring up hatred, and i was invested in the book despite, or even because of, that same hatred. i really can't comment on their personalities or actions without spoilers, but it's like rereading caraval again, except both sisters are donatella. the side characters are funny, but not anything remarkable, which isn't a negative point—the story is fascinating enough with just the two sisters. charlotte's arc where she wrestles with her feelings for [redacted] and how to admit them was so relatable as someone still closeted.
overall — ⋆⋆⋆½
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy.
writing — ⋆⋆⋆⋆
this is such a genuinely funny book. so many scenes where i couldn't keep the smile off my face. the dialogue, especially charlotte's lines, is commendable. one thing i will say is that it's not really as gothic or paranormalesque as the blurb would have you believe. it's a very straightforward, logical mystery. i would have preferred something of the former, but this was still enjoyable.
worldbuilding — ⋆⋆⋆⋆
this book isn't fantasy, but i found the paris established within its pages a complete delight. i love historical fiction set during this time period, and lowkis did an excellent job bringing it to life.
plot — ⋆⋆⋆½
this had twist after twist after twist. i was completely hooked. very well planned, with no holes i can see, with the mystery being completely solved, and the character motivations being thoroughly explained. however, there was too much buildup to be proportionate to what the ending was. spoiler, it was boring.
structuring — ⋆⋆⋆
the structuring, however? i can't say i was a fan from the beginning. switching from sylvie's pov in the first half to charlotte's in the second with no warning was jarring. objectively, the two opposing perspectives added more tension to the story, and structuring it this way rather than alternating every chapter did make the reveal more impactful. i just personally wasn't a fan.
characters — ⋆⋆⋆½
florence, my one love. i disliked at least either charlotte or sylvie throughout 90% of the book, and both of them at least 25% of the time. which isn't a fault, i think they're written to be purposefully hateable. i think lowkis has an immense talent for stirring up hatred, and i was invested in the book despite, or even because of, that same hatred. i really can't comment on their personalities or actions without spoilers, but it's like rereading caraval again, except both sisters are donatella. the side characters are funny, but not anything remarkable, which isn't a negative point—the story is fascinating enough with just the two sisters. charlotte's arc where she wrestles with her feelings for [redacted] and how to admit them was so relatable as someone still closeted.
overall — ⋆⋆⋆½
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy.
February 7, 2024
An entertaining tale of two sisters who work together as spiritists in Paris, ‘helping’ families who believe themselves to be haunted or have a possessed family member. Part 1 is very good, narrated by Sylvie, the older sister. She has married a Baron and had stopped this work at his insistence but her sister pleads with her to help her one more time. I enjoyed the descriptions of the ‘show’ the sisters put on for their employers and the sinister turn it took. Part 2 changes the narrator to the other sister, Charlotte. I enjoyed it less. I skim read much of it because although there were moments of suspense and high drama, they were too drawn out and it was easy to skip to the outcome without losing the storyline. There are a few unexpected twists and turns throughout and, although it’s a bit silly really, I enjoyed it.
With thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK for a review copy.
With thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK for a review copy.
May 12, 2024
Two estranged sisters pretending to be spirit mediums target the rich and get back together for one last con? SIGN ME UP.
...except what if there really is a malevolent spirit haunting this family?
Spitting Gold is a fun little con gone haywire. It is family drama and hurt feelings and trauma. And revenge. It is the perfect balance of silly and serious.
Except this is the rare occasion in which I think that the a book should have been 50-100 pages longer. I wanted more-- more worldbuilding, more spooky shenanigans, more character development. What we got was good, but I think it could have gone deeper to really drive that emotional hit home. I wanted to feel devastation!
But overall, this was fun. Thank you ATRIA for sending me a copy!
...except what if there really is a malevolent spirit haunting this family?
Spitting Gold is a fun little con gone haywire. It is family drama and hurt feelings and trauma. And revenge. It is the perfect balance of silly and serious.
Except this is the rare occasion in which I think that the a book should have been 50-100 pages longer. I wanted more-- more worldbuilding, more spooky shenanigans, more character development. What we got was good, but I think it could have gone deeper to really drive that emotional hit home. I wanted to feel devastation!
But overall, this was fun. Thank you ATRIA for sending me a copy!
July 30, 2024
This historical mystery debut novel explores themes of Victorian social mores and expectations, sapphic romance and obsession, sacrifice, and personal redemption. It follows the relationship between two estranged sisters, Sylvie Devereux and Charlotte Mothe. Both have pasts as celebrated (and fraudulent) spirit mediums; however the scam ended when Sylvie married a French aristocrat. The two come together for one last fraudulent scheme when Charlotte visits her sister and manipulates her in participating in one last con when Sylvie receives a house call from Charlotte. Despite their rocky history, Sylvie agrees to participate in one last con targeting the dysfunctional aristocratic de Jacquinot family. The de Jacquinots believe they are haunted by their great aunt, who met a brutal end during the French Revolution. The sisters aim to terrify the family into parting with their gold.
Initially, the narrator is Sylvie; however, Charlotte soon assumes this role with Sylvie regaining this role for the last chapter. The 19th century was ripe for spirit mediums and interest in the occult and this novel does an excellent job in exposing the tricks of this profession. I wasn't too surprised of the ending twist since I saw it coming several pages ahead. The author well described mid-19th century Paris and the gothic nature of the de Jacquinot home. I was transported to the seance circles experiencing their supernatural nature. I look forward to reading her future published books.
Initially, the narrator is Sylvie; however, Charlotte soon assumes this role with Sylvie regaining this role for the last chapter. The 19th century was ripe for spirit mediums and interest in the occult and this novel does an excellent job in exposing the tricks of this profession. I wasn't too surprised of the ending twist since I saw it coming several pages ahead. The author well described mid-19th century Paris and the gothic nature of the de Jacquinot home. I was transported to the seance circles experiencing their supernatural nature. I look forward to reading her future published books.
December 10, 2023
This was such an interesting read.
The comparison to Sarah Waters is pretty clear from the beginning of the book. I think the twists and turns are a little more obvious than in a classic Sarah Waters story but that didn't lessen my enjoyment of it.
The book is split into two parts, each giving us a perspective of one of the sisters. I won't lie, I enjoyed the second part much more and wished it was a little bit longer. But I think it was really interesting to have the perspective of how each of the sisters saw themselves and each other.
A lot of this book is hard to talk about because it's just spoils too much about some of the twists in the story and I wouldn't want to do that. But I think it's certainly a story worth reading.
The comparison to Sarah Waters is pretty clear from the beginning of the book. I think the twists and turns are a little more obvious than in a classic Sarah Waters story but that didn't lessen my enjoyment of it.
The book is split into two parts, each giving us a perspective of one of the sisters. I won't lie, I enjoyed the second part much more and wished it was a little bit longer. But I think it was really interesting to have the perspective of how each of the sisters saw themselves and each other.
A lot of this book is hard to talk about because it's just spoils too much about some of the twists in the story and I wouldn't want to do that. But I think it's certainly a story worth reading.
April 14, 2024
Claiming author's privilege to add this to my own Goodreads challenge!
May 8, 2024
This is a haunting story of two sisters, employed as spirit mediums who help families connect with their departed loved ones. There's just one catch. They're frauds. They know all the tricks to convince their clients their dead family members are haunting them.
When the book begins, Sylvie has left her life as a spirit medium and is now married to a baron. She does not want her husband to know of her questionable past employment. When her sister, Charlotte, visits her asking for one last job Sylvie finds herself agreeing. Little do the sisters know what a mess they are about to find themselves in.
The first part of the book was from Sylvie's point of view. The tricks they used to convince the "haunted" family were fascinating. All is going well, until Slyvie starts to wonder if there is really a sinister spirit haunting the family.
The second part tells the same events from Charlotte's point of view. It was interesting to see how differently everything played out. Reading Charlotte's version brings much of the plot to light and it was pretty intriguing to see it all come together.
I liked the dark and gothic tones of this book. The characters were all pretty unlikable, but it gave the book an overall sinister feel. I really enjoyed it.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Atria Books for the opportunity to read this book.
When the book begins, Sylvie has left her life as a spirit medium and is now married to a baron. She does not want her husband to know of her questionable past employment. When her sister, Charlotte, visits her asking for one last job Sylvie finds herself agreeing. Little do the sisters know what a mess they are about to find themselves in.
The first part of the book was from Sylvie's point of view. The tricks they used to convince the "haunted" family were fascinating. All is going well, until Slyvie starts to wonder if there is really a sinister spirit haunting the family.
The second part tells the same events from Charlotte's point of view. It was interesting to see how differently everything played out. Reading Charlotte's version brings much of the plot to light and it was pretty intriguing to see it all come together.
I liked the dark and gothic tones of this book. The characters were all pretty unlikable, but it gave the book an overall sinister feel. I really enjoyed it.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Atria Books for the opportunity to read this book.
August 28, 2024
Love love love the gothic atmosphere. Reminded me of "Our Hideous Progeny" in the best way!
This was a really easy, intriguing read. I read it over audio within just a few days, and it kept me coming back!
I liked the mystery element of trying to figure out if there was an actual spirit or not. I also appreciated the two sisters as the main characters, although the older one (Charlotte? I already forgot her name 😅) realllllly frustrated me at times.
@ 32% , ughhh, I hate miscommunication trope. God the rights women had during this period is SO GROSS. This whole scene with her husband makes me so angry.
Overall, I don't know how much of this one will actually stick with me over time, as it wasn't altogether memorable. However, the reading experience was great, and I enjoyed my time!
This was a really easy, intriguing read. I read it over audio within just a few days, and it kept me coming back!
I liked the mystery element of trying to figure out if there was an actual spirit or not. I also appreciated the two sisters as the main characters, although the older one (Charlotte? I already forgot her name 😅) realllllly frustrated me at times.
@ 32% , ughhh, I hate miscommunication trope. God the rights women had during this period is SO GROSS. This whole scene with her husband makes me so angry.
Overall, I don't know how much of this one will actually stick with me over time, as it wasn't altogether memorable. However, the reading experience was great, and I enjoyed my time!
Shelved as 'did-not-finish'
July 27, 2024dnf - there's nothing specially wrong with this book, it's just not keeping my interest.
June 5, 2024
The atmosphere here is eerie and haunting. The narration by Katherine Press @katherinesarahpress is outstanding. Sylvie and Charlotte are wonderful characters and the plot is well executed. This is more of a slow burn with each of the sisters giving their very different points of view on the same events. I truly enjoyed the author’s writing style and how the stories came together in the end. Spitting Gold was a May selection for @bookofthemonth. It was a great choice and I loved the cover too!
February 21, 2024
Paris, 1866.
When Baroness Sylvie Devereux catches a glimpse of a figure hiding in the shadows as she observes from her gilded cage of a manor, little does she know that perhaps she should have refused the house-call from Charlotte Mothe, the sister she disowned for various reasons, for she now fears her shady and muddied past as a spirit medium could finally catch up with her, yet when she discovers their father is ill with death waiting in the wings to claim him and with Charlotte unable to pay his bills, maybe one more con will be enough to bury the past once and for all….
Their marks are the de Jacquinots: dysfunctional aristocrats who firmly and adamantly believe they are being haunted and harassed by their great-aunt, who was brutally murdered during the French Revolution, even though one member of the family cannot seem to understand everyone’s fervent belief in such a thing.
The sisters will need to deploy every trick and tactic to terrify this family out of their vast wealth, well that’s the plan until they themselves start to experience the horrors first-hand and the chilly claw of the unknown settles upon Sylvie’s shoulder…
Surely it cannot be real, someone must be behind these mysterious happenings but maybe they should be more concerned with the secrets that threaten to come into the light for one sister spits gold, the other spits frogs. Which sister is telling the truth in all of this?
Compulsively addictive, deliciously atmospheric and dripping in gothic style, Spitting Gold is a dark, sapphic fairytale to lose yourself in!
When Baroness Sylvie Devereux catches a glimpse of a figure hiding in the shadows as she observes from her gilded cage of a manor, little does she know that perhaps she should have refused the house-call from Charlotte Mothe, the sister she disowned for various reasons, for she now fears her shady and muddied past as a spirit medium could finally catch up with her, yet when she discovers their father is ill with death waiting in the wings to claim him and with Charlotte unable to pay his bills, maybe one more con will be enough to bury the past once and for all….
Their marks are the de Jacquinots: dysfunctional aristocrats who firmly and adamantly believe they are being haunted and harassed by their great-aunt, who was brutally murdered during the French Revolution, even though one member of the family cannot seem to understand everyone’s fervent belief in such a thing.
The sisters will need to deploy every trick and tactic to terrify this family out of their vast wealth, well that’s the plan until they themselves start to experience the horrors first-hand and the chilly claw of the unknown settles upon Sylvie’s shoulder…
Surely it cannot be real, someone must be behind these mysterious happenings but maybe they should be more concerned with the secrets that threaten to come into the light for one sister spits gold, the other spits frogs. Which sister is telling the truth in all of this?
Compulsively addictive, deliciously atmospheric and dripping in gothic style, Spitting Gold is a dark, sapphic fairytale to lose yourself in!
July 30, 2024
overall i had a very good time with this one! i think it falls somewhere in the 3.5 vibes, for me. inititally, i had some trouble getting into it, but i think that was mostly outside distraction things and my focus on other books and not on the book itself, bc once i rlly started sitting down to read it, i plowed right through in nearly 2 days.
the book just has so many of my favorite things in it: sisters!!! ghosts!!! some sapphic vibes!! a lil mystery!! (some) men getting what comes to them!! and a wonderful setting and some solid writing. there were certainly some things that i would have liked to play out juuuuust a little differently . but i still would overall def rec this one, and will def be looking out for the author's future works. this is a solid debut!
the book just has so many of my favorite things in it: sisters!!! ghosts!!! some sapphic vibes!! a lil mystery!! (some) men getting what comes to them!! and a wonderful setting and some solid writing. there were certainly some things that i would have liked to play out juuuuust a little differently . but i still would overall def rec this one, and will def be looking out for the author's future works. this is a solid debut!
March 5, 2024
This. Is. An. Excellent. Book!!! Okay now I’ve got that out of my system let’s talk about the fact that this bloody amazing book is the kind of mystery book I am always wanting to read. Historical fiction, atmospheric settings a plenty, great character building, incredible world building, more twists and turns than the Incredible Hulk ride at Orlando Universal, any plenty of witty banter to really keep me gripped. Oh, and did I mention it’s a dual POV? My FAVOURITE!
I don’t feel like I can delve too far into this without some major spoilers, so just trust me that you’ll love to hate some of these characters just as much as you’ll love reading this through to the epic conclusion. I came for the sapphic content and stayed for the scheming and lies. Absolutely epic. This is a book you need to pre-order immediately, and this is definitely an author to add to your favourites list.
Thank you so much to Doubleday for sending me a proof of this wonderful story.
I don’t feel like I can delve too far into this without some major spoilers, so just trust me that you’ll love to hate some of these characters just as much as you’ll love reading this through to the epic conclusion. I came for the sapphic content and stayed for the scheming and lies. Absolutely epic. This is a book you need to pre-order immediately, and this is definitely an author to add to your favourites list.
Thank you so much to Doubleday for sending me a proof of this wonderful story.
January 14, 2024
Full of twists and turns, this gothic mystery kept me on the edge of my seat!
Highly suspenseful with spooky spirits, this novel is perfect for lovers of historical fiction who want a story driven by strong female characters. I really enjoyed the shift in perspective between the Mothe sisters in the middle of the book, it was really engaging to relive certain events from a different POV - this was an impactful choice to have a hard perspective switch, and it had me changing my mind about who to root for. Lowkis did a great setting the scene of 19th century Paris. Also I love to read a queer love story and this one didn’t disappoint!
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books Publishing for providing this eARC!
Highly suspenseful with spooky spirits, this novel is perfect for lovers of historical fiction who want a story driven by strong female characters. I really enjoyed the shift in perspective between the Mothe sisters in the middle of the book, it was really engaging to relive certain events from a different POV - this was an impactful choice to have a hard perspective switch, and it had me changing my mind about who to root for. Lowkis did a great setting the scene of 19th century Paris. Also I love to read a queer love story and this one didn’t disappoint!
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books Publishing for providing this eARC!
July 31, 2024
I really enjoyed the first half of this but once it switched to Charlotte's point of view at the midpoint, I stopped caring. Charlotte is so fucking selfish and miserable.
The very end was excellent. But I did NOT enjoy most of this book.
The very end was excellent. But I did NOT enjoy most of this book.
March 6, 2024
I loved this book! It had a bit of a slow start but once they had their first seance, things really picked up and I loved the second half when we finally got Charlotte’s POV. Spooky vibes, a vengeful ghost, lesbians, con artists…honestly what more could I ask for. My only complaint was that I would’ve liked to stay with Charlotte in the epilogue, since I simply did not care all that much about her straight sister. If you’ve ever enjoyed a Sarah Waters book I think you’ll enjoy this — it was like Affinity, Fingersmith, and The Little Stranger had a beautiful Parisian baby.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC!
June 5, 2024
This is the book I needed to read this week. Something to properly get your teeth into, the kind of book that you stay up for a few hours longer to read. Just one more chapter, I kept promising myself, and then I broke that promise seven times over.
Really, there's so much to love in this book. Morally grey characters, a deftly portrayed unreliable narrator, fascinating side characters, a plot twist that doesn't just come entirely out of left field and which makes complete sense within the narrative, and a denouement that had me late for dinner. I was just entirely absorbed. Absolutely brilliant.
Really, there's so much to love in this book. Morally grey characters, a deftly portrayed unreliable narrator, fascinating side characters, a plot twist that doesn't just come entirely out of left field and which makes complete sense within the narrative, and a denouement that had me late for dinner. I was just entirely absorbed. Absolutely brilliant.
May 10, 2024
Spitting Gold is a historical fiction masterpiece. Taking place in the mid 1800s in Paris, it's the story of two estranged sisters who come together one last time as con artists to raise money for their father's care.
I can't tell you how much fun I had with this novel. I loved how immersive the story was, with beautiful descriptions of the highs and lows of mid 19th century Paris. The plot was easy to follow, and hooks you from the beginning. I honestly didn't care for any of the characters, because they were all very morally grey, but they were so much fun to follow along with. I had no idea what to expect next, and I loved the unpredictability of the novel. There were some shocking twists and turns that made for a unique historical fiction experience.
The book is split into part 1 and part 2 and I LOVED how part 2 changed character perspectives. I've not read another novel that was like this one, and I definitely recommend it to lovers of historical fiction/mystery.
What to expect:
- seances/spirits
- con artists
- sapphic love
- class struggles
- gothic Paris setting
I can't tell you how much fun I had with this novel. I loved how immersive the story was, with beautiful descriptions of the highs and lows of mid 19th century Paris. The plot was easy to follow, and hooks you from the beginning. I honestly didn't care for any of the characters, because they were all very morally grey, but they were so much fun to follow along with. I had no idea what to expect next, and I loved the unpredictability of the novel. There were some shocking twists and turns that made for a unique historical fiction experience.
The book is split into part 1 and part 2 and I LOVED how part 2 changed character perspectives. I've not read another novel that was like this one, and I definitely recommend it to lovers of historical fiction/mystery.
What to expect:
- seances/spirits
- con artists
- sapphic love
- class struggles
- gothic Paris setting
May 24, 2024
I had much higher hopes for this and I honestly feel like I could've rated this a lot higher if Charlotte had ever fucking actually apologized to Sylvie. She barged her way back into her life as though she had some right to it, as though Sylvie had somehow wronged her by getting away from their shitty living situation by falling in love (or even, as Charlotte theorizes, not falling in love and just finding a man to get her out) when that is absolutely something Charlotte should be happy Sylvie has managed to do, no matter the reality of that. And instead acts as though she's been betrayed (um, no?) and then ruins her sister's life and then nEVER APOLOGIZES FOR IT. I always root for the gays, always, except for this time when I was like: fuck you and the horse you rode in on for lying to your sister, gaslighting her with a spirit, destroying her marriage, and then acting like you are somehow the victim in this scenario??? Charlotte could've just asked her sister for help, she could've told Sylvie the same story Florence told her and, especially if she had come to her before anything happened between them (because Sylvie has every reason to doubt Charlotte's perception of things once she's romantically involved), she might've helped without the lie. Hard to say, she had a lot to lose but she also clearly cares for her sister and isn't without empathy, but we'll never know what she would've done because Charlotte didn't have enough respect for her sister to give her the opportunity to be her best self.
Sibling relationships are generally more forgiving than others - you can get away with a lot of shit when it comes to family that you cannot with friends, but not without admitting you're in the wrong and Charlotte never did that and so I know I, as the reader, didn't forgive her. Sure, she tried to make it right(ish - because she had nothing really to lose, she definitely wasn't coming back to France regardless so not being able to is no real loss lbr) at the very, very, very end but she still never said or acted like she did anything wrong. Which she definitely fucking did and it made me hate her tbqh. All the guilt she felt (and that she definitely SHOULD feel), she brushed off and then tried to turn back around on Sylvie for not being supportive of her and Florence. Which.... OF COURSE SHE ISN'T, you just did this exact same thing on the last case she worked with you, which is why it was the last case she worked with you because it all blew up in your face and you almost went to jail. Like..... what the fuck is wrong with Charlotte that she somehow cannot understand any of this? Oh boy, I did not like her. And I didn't like Florence because she got in the middle of shit and then tried to blackmail Sylvie, immediately, rather than apologize and explain things when they were caught lying to her. Like, what absolute pieces of shit trying to tell me this woman (Sylvie) is selfish when they used her as a pawn, threatened her when she figured out their ruse, and then somehow she takes the fall for them when Charlotte and Florence murder a dude. And I'm supposed to be happy about that???????
Sure, their cause was morally right and good but Charlotte's really gonna call Sylvie selfish when she did not think about that woman for one goddamned moment, did not care about the consequences of involving her, and then let her take the fall for her crimes. Wow. Wooooooow.
Sibling relationships are generally more forgiving than others - you can get away with a lot of shit when it comes to family that you cannot with friends, but not without admitting you're in the wrong and Charlotte never did that and so I know I, as the reader, didn't forgive her. Sure, she tried to make it right(ish - because she had nothing really to lose, she definitely wasn't coming back to France regardless so not being able to is no real loss lbr) at the very, very, very end but she still never said or acted like she did anything wrong. Which she definitely fucking did and it made me hate her tbqh. All the guilt she felt (and that she definitely SHOULD feel), she brushed off and then tried to turn back around on Sylvie for not being supportive of her and Florence. Which.... OF COURSE SHE ISN'T, you just did this exact same thing on the last case she worked with you, which is why it was the last case she worked with you because it all blew up in your face and you almost went to jail. Like..... what the fuck is wrong with Charlotte that she somehow cannot understand any of this? Oh boy, I did not like her. And I didn't like Florence because she got in the middle of shit and then tried to blackmail Sylvie, immediately, rather than apologize and explain things when they were caught lying to her. Like, what absolute pieces of shit trying to tell me this woman (Sylvie) is selfish when they used her as a pawn, threatened her when she figured out their ruse, and then somehow she takes the fall for them when Charlotte and Florence murder a dude. And I'm supposed to be happy about that???????
Sure, their cause was morally right and good but Charlotte's really gonna call Sylvie selfish when she did not think about that woman for one goddamned moment, did not care about the consequences of involving her, and then let her take the fall for her crimes. Wow. Wooooooow.
March 21, 2024
A brilliant mystery, it unfurls so naturally and the twists are genuinely shocking. The sister dynamic is a thing of sheer joy in their petulance, yet unsaid love. The two families work beautifully in contrast to highlight the unrest in both and offering quite heartbreaking parallels between Sylvie and Charlotte, and Florence and Maximilian, as well as the family patriarchs. The characters in the book are it's bright spot, and the darkness that seems to perpetually shroud the book illuminates the gothic atmosphere.
Also, sapphics, sapphics earn it six stars, I think.
Also, sapphics, sapphics earn it six stars, I think.
March 5, 2024
Was absolutely ecstatic to come home and find this beautiful ARC on my doorstep!
Set in Paris in 1866, the story revolves around two sisters previously estranged. Charlotte Mothe has come to call on her sister Sylvie, now the Baroness Devereux. Charlotte is struggling to raise an income to look after their dying father and seeks Sylvie’s help in pulling one last con, a line of work which saw them estranged to begin with. The sisters are spiritists, well versed in conning gold from wealthy families to solve their ‘spiritual woes’. But as they begin their new job they find themselves less in control than they expected and start to worry that their con isn’t a con after all.
I loved this book so much. The language was absolutely exquisite and sentences just roll off the mind in a decadent and poised way. I loved how the language changed between the sisters’ narration too. The plot was excellent and I had no idea that the twists and turns were coming. The characters had real depth and it was nice to feel their connections and motivations. Highly recommend this book if you are looking for something fast paced, quick witted, and enthralling. I cannot wait to see what this author does next!
A true literary indulgence.
#spittinggold #carmellalowkis #fictionbook #historicalfiction #occultbook #supernaturalbook #lgbtq+book #bookworm #bookstagram #bookish #booklover #books #booknerd #bibliophile #reading #book #bookaddict #read #booksofinstagram #booklove #bookshelf #bookblogger #readersofinstagram #instabooks #goodreads #literature #currentlyreading #ukbookstagram
Set in Paris in 1866, the story revolves around two sisters previously estranged. Charlotte Mothe has come to call on her sister Sylvie, now the Baroness Devereux. Charlotte is struggling to raise an income to look after their dying father and seeks Sylvie’s help in pulling one last con, a line of work which saw them estranged to begin with. The sisters are spiritists, well versed in conning gold from wealthy families to solve their ‘spiritual woes’. But as they begin their new job they find themselves less in control than they expected and start to worry that their con isn’t a con after all.
I loved this book so much. The language was absolutely exquisite and sentences just roll off the mind in a decadent and poised way. I loved how the language changed between the sisters’ narration too. The plot was excellent and I had no idea that the twists and turns were coming. The characters had real depth and it was nice to feel their connections and motivations. Highly recommend this book if you are looking for something fast paced, quick witted, and enthralling. I cannot wait to see what this author does next!
A true literary indulgence.
#spittinggold #carmellalowkis #fictionbook #historicalfiction #occultbook #supernaturalbook #lgbtq+book #bookworm #bookstagram #bookish #booklover #books #booknerd #bibliophile #reading #book #bookaddict #read #booksofinstagram #booklove #bookshelf #bookblogger #readersofinstagram #instabooks #goodreads #literature #currentlyreading #ukbookstagram
May 22, 2024
For a séance book this isn’t very (if you’ll permit me to make up a word) séance-y.
Alas, I should have heeded blurb warnings that said “for fans of Sarah Waters,” whose work I’m not fond of. It’s an apt comparison, though Waters is a superior writer of plot. If you like her style, you’ll probably like this better than I did.
Mostly though, the book is just depressing in that “bad guys always come out on top” kind of way, or bad girls, as the case is here. I find books that victimize the heroine to be a tough hang, and that’s the primary reason I didn’t enjoy this. I liked Sylvie a lot, and she’s a reasonably well written character, but she feels like she exists only to be the victim of her sister’s selfish and reckless actions.
It’s not that i don’t understand why Charlotte feels like she got dealt a bad hand, but the way she treats her sister, effectively ruining her life multiple times, wipes out any trace of sympathy I had for her.
And as mentioned above, the book doesn’t use the setting very well, particularly when it comes to the spiritualism components. There’s nothing eerie about the book. It lacks a sense of atmosphere, and the plot twist connected to the central séance scene is clever, but it breeds other problems that make the book deeply unenjoyable.
There is so much good fiction out there focused on séances and spiritualism. Skip this and go with one of the many better books on the topic instead.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
Alas, I should have heeded blurb warnings that said “for fans of Sarah Waters,” whose work I’m not fond of. It’s an apt comparison, though Waters is a superior writer of plot. If you like her style, you’ll probably like this better than I did.
Mostly though, the book is just depressing in that “bad guys always come out on top” kind of way, or bad girls, as the case is here. I find books that victimize the heroine to be a tough hang, and that’s the primary reason I didn’t enjoy this. I liked Sylvie a lot, and she’s a reasonably well written character, but she feels like she exists only to be the victim of her sister’s selfish and reckless actions.
It’s not that i don’t understand why Charlotte feels like she got dealt a bad hand, but the way she treats her sister, effectively ruining her life multiple times, wipes out any trace of sympathy I had for her.
And as mentioned above, the book doesn’t use the setting very well, particularly when it comes to the spiritualism components. There’s nothing eerie about the book. It lacks a sense of atmosphere, and the plot twist connected to the central séance scene is clever, but it breeds other problems that make the book deeply unenjoyable.
There is so much good fiction out there focused on séances and spiritualism. Skip this and go with one of the many better books on the topic instead.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
May 14, 2024
Spitting Gold by Carmella Lowkis is an entertaining historical fiction that takes us back to the streets of Paris in the 19th century.
This was a unique his fiction that incorporated mystery, romance, gothic and realistic elements into one novel. Involving that “world in between” created an interesting push and pull with the narrative that helped add a layer of complexity. The edges of the “spiritual” world and the “real” world were skillfully woven together to create more mist and mystery as we follow along with the two main characters and sisters, Sylvie Devereux and Charlotte Mothe.
It was an interesting read that kept me interested until the end.
4/5 stars
Thank you NG and Atria Books for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my NG account only at this time and will publish it to my GR, Bookbub, Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 5/14/24 per publisher request.
This was a unique his fiction that incorporated mystery, romance, gothic and realistic elements into one novel. Involving that “world in between” created an interesting push and pull with the narrative that helped add a layer of complexity. The edges of the “spiritual” world and the “real” world were skillfully woven together to create more mist and mystery as we follow along with the two main characters and sisters, Sylvie Devereux and Charlotte Mothe.
It was an interesting read that kept me interested until the end.
4/5 stars
Thank you NG and Atria Books for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my NG account only at this time and will publish it to my GR, Bookbub, Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 5/14/24 per publisher request.
June 10, 2024
Two sister and a world of secrets between them. This book is broken into 2 parts. Part 1 will give you Sylvie's POV and will bring in the mystery, seances, and the richer society. Part 2 is Charlotte's POV and will give you a little more history of the two sisters and the world from another POV.
Although I did like the mystery, it seemed to pretty well evaporate after half way. I wasn't sure why the title was Spitting Gold when that part of the story is really a side part and not the main plot. I found Charlotte's characters to be pretty disappointing. Interesting read but not the kind of read I thought it would be.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
Although I did like the mystery, it seemed to pretty well evaporate after half way. I wasn't sure why the title was Spitting Gold when that part of the story is really a side part and not the main plot. I found Charlotte's characters to be pretty disappointing. Interesting read but not the kind of read I thought it would be.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
March 7, 2024
An intense Gothic romp in which two sisters, divided by fortune and estranged by feelings of betrayal, revisit their past as spirit mediums to do one, last job together, with catastrophic results. This is compulsively readable with a series of strong plot twists that keep you guessing for some time. Rather cleverly, the denouement comes at the mid point of the book, at which stage you might think you know where the book is going, but it pivots really well and is as page turning in the second half, just for different reasons. It will draw comparisons to Sarah Waters' Affinity for all kinds of reasons, but it is a strong novel in its own right. I enjoyed it very much.
February 13, 2024
Review later but fuck this was good. It has everything I could ever want in a book 😍
Okie. I loved everything about this. Victorian spiritualism, scheming and cons, mystery, dual POV's of estranged sisters with vastly different views, a dash of haunting and sapphic romance; a deliciously wicked concoction that I couldn't get enough of!
This time period setting is absolutely one of my favorites to read and this didn't disappoint one bit. It definitely quelled my deep yearning for a Sarah Waters/Laura Purcell-esque type of story...a bit anyways 💁🏻♀️
Okie. I loved everything about this. Victorian spiritualism, scheming and cons, mystery, dual POV's of estranged sisters with vastly different views, a dash of haunting and sapphic romance; a deliciously wicked concoction that I couldn't get enough of!
This time period setting is absolutely one of my favorites to read and this didn't disappoint one bit. It definitely quelled my deep yearning for a Sarah Waters/Laura Purcell-esque type of story...a bit anyways 💁🏻♀️
May 15, 2024
Thank you to the publisher for providing a beautiful physical ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.
4/5 stars: ★★★★☆
In Spitting Gold, two estranged sisters reunite to bring back their con act as spiritualists one last time. But one of the sisters has a much bigger trick up her sleeve, while the other must reconcile with the selfish choices she's made in the past. Will the two be able to come together long enough to pull off their scam, or will their pasts come back to haunt them?
This was a great story for fans of The Lost Apothecary and other even darker gothic mysteries. Like the characters in this book, there were moments I believed the ghosts were real despite knowing the tricks behind the act. The real mystery at the heart of this ghost story, too, is a dark one. What comes to light as a result of the sisters' con is deeply upsetting and cruel, another story of a family member's selfishness. I did put a few of the clues together before the truth was revealed, but for the most part, the mystery's resolution was a surprise.
I also loved the theme of the multi-sided story- a fairytale of two sisters, one good and one bad, woven into this tale of two sisters who feel constantly misunderstood by each other. To remedy this, the author begins the story from the point of view of one sister, and ends it from the point of view of the other. The reader sees both sisters' sides, hears both their stories, over the course of the longer tale of family, betrayal, and love.
4/5 stars: ★★★★☆
In Spitting Gold, two estranged sisters reunite to bring back their con act as spiritualists one last time. But one of the sisters has a much bigger trick up her sleeve, while the other must reconcile with the selfish choices she's made in the past. Will the two be able to come together long enough to pull off their scam, or will their pasts come back to haunt them?
This was a great story for fans of The Lost Apothecary and other even darker gothic mysteries. Like the characters in this book, there were moments I believed the ghosts were real despite knowing the tricks behind the act. The real mystery at the heart of this ghost story, too, is a dark one. What comes to light as a result of the sisters' con is deeply upsetting and cruel, another story of a family member's selfishness. I did put a few of the clues together before the truth was revealed, but for the most part, the mystery's resolution was a surprise.
I also loved the theme of the multi-sided story- a fairytale of two sisters, one good and one bad, woven into this tale of two sisters who feel constantly misunderstood by each other. To remedy this, the author begins the story from the point of view of one sister, and ends it from the point of view of the other. The reader sees both sisters' sides, hears both their stories, over the course of the longer tale of family, betrayal, and love.
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