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The Violet Hour
Thomas Haller has achieved the kind of fame that most artists only dream of: shows in London and New York, paintings sold for a fortune. The vision he presents to the world is one of an untouchable genius at the top of his game. It is also a lie.
Who is the real Thomas Haller? His oldest friend and former dealer, Lorna, might once have known - before Thomas traded their early intimacy for international fame. Between his ruthless new dealer and a property mogul obsessed with his work, the appetite for Thomas and his art is all-consuming.
On the eve of his latest show, the luminaries of the art world gather. But the sudden death of a young man has put everyone on edge, and a chain of events begins that will lead the friends back into the past, to confront who they have become.
A story of deception, power play and longing, The Violet Hour exposes the unsettling underbelly of the art world, asking: who is granted admission to a world that only seems to glitter and who is left outside, their faces pressed to the glass?
Who is the real Thomas Haller? His oldest friend and former dealer, Lorna, might once have known - before Thomas traded their early intimacy for international fame. Between his ruthless new dealer and a property mogul obsessed with his work, the appetite for Thomas and his art is all-consuming.
On the eve of his latest show, the luminaries of the art world gather. But the sudden death of a young man has put everyone on edge, and a chain of events begins that will lead the friends back into the past, to confront who they have become.
A story of deception, power play and longing, The Violet Hour exposes the unsettling underbelly of the art world, asking: who is granted admission to a world that only seems to glitter and who is left outside, their faces pressed to the glass?
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 27, 2025
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669 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
May 12, 2025
3.5, rounded up.
Cahill's debut novel, Tiepolo Blue, made my best-of 2022 list, so I was eagerly awaiting his follow-up - and for the most part I DID enjoy this - it just lacked something that the earlier work had, I'm not sure exactly what, so was slightly disappointed. Possibly a lack of any real momentum (this took me a full 10 days to read, the earlier book only four - and they are roughly the same length!).
The plot, what there is of one, was also somewhat puzzling. The book follows three main characters over the course of about two to three years (with side voyages into flashbacks). They are all sharply defined and inherently interesting: Lorna Bedford, a 50-ish lesbian New York art gallery owner; Thomas Haller, a famous, though enigmatic, abstract artist, with whom Lorna had a one-night stand 30 years back, resulting in a child put up for adoption; and Leo J. Goffman, an 85-year old billionaire art collector, with secrets of his own.
The book starts with a young man, Luca, falling to his death from a balcony in NY, and the ostensible reasons for such forms one plot strand - but when the revelation of what happened comes in the penultimate chapter, it's all rather ho-hum.
There are numerous other threads weaving through, some more prominent than others, but if someone asked me for a synopsis of the 'plot', I would be hard pressed to say exactly what it all adds up to - mainly a view of the modern art world, and all its various denizens, foibles, peccadilloes, etc., I suppose. Cahill's prose is also a bit 'fussy' this time, although there is plenty of gorgeous writing here also.
The other thing is that if the 'Worst Sex in Literature' Prize is still being awarded, this contains quite a few eyebrow-raising, and bordering on ludicrous, such scenes. Sadly, I'm afraid this ISN'T going to make my 2025 list ... but as with his first book, it has an absolutely beautiful cover design, though.
Cahill's debut novel, Tiepolo Blue, made my best-of 2022 list, so I was eagerly awaiting his follow-up - and for the most part I DID enjoy this - it just lacked something that the earlier work had, I'm not sure exactly what, so was slightly disappointed. Possibly a lack of any real momentum (this took me a full 10 days to read, the earlier book only four - and they are roughly the same length!).
The plot, what there is of one, was also somewhat puzzling. The book follows three main characters over the course of about two to three years (with side voyages into flashbacks). They are all sharply defined and inherently interesting: Lorna Bedford, a 50-ish lesbian New York art gallery owner; Thomas Haller, a famous, though enigmatic, abstract artist, with whom Lorna had a one-night stand 30 years back, resulting in a child put up for adoption; and Leo J. Goffman, an 85-year old billionaire art collector, with secrets of his own.
The book starts with a young man, Luca, falling to his death from a balcony in NY, and the ostensible reasons for such forms one plot strand - but when the revelation of what happened comes in the penultimate chapter, it's all rather ho-hum.
There are numerous other threads weaving through, some more prominent than others, but if someone asked me for a synopsis of the 'plot', I would be hard pressed to say exactly what it all adds up to - mainly a view of the modern art world, and all its various denizens, foibles, peccadilloes, etc., I suppose. Cahill's prose is also a bit 'fussy' this time, although there is plenty of gorgeous writing here also.
The other thing is that if the 'Worst Sex in Literature' Prize is still being awarded, this contains quite a few eyebrow-raising, and bordering on ludicrous, such scenes. Sadly, I'm afraid this ISN'T going to make my 2025 list ... but as with his first book, it has an absolutely beautiful cover design, though.
February 28, 2026
A novel like this one is bound to be something interesting. There’s a whodunnit part to it and that’s always a plus in my book, but what really got to me were the characters, how messy they were and dare I say toxic. I’m not sure we’re supposed to like them, and personally, let’s just say I definitely wouldn’t want to be friends with them. My life force would probably be drained.
I both enjoyed my experience and don’t know how to feel. I certainly didn’t expect to get attached to any characters, so when I didn’t it didn’t feel like something was missing. I always expect something toxic to come out of a queer lit fic. The characters are definitely something different from this genre, they’re not your average teenagers/young adults, they’re grown.
This was more of a mystery than I originally thought it was going to be. It was definitely the background but it was there. All those interlinking characters took the lead. It’s set in the world of art, galleries and the like. I didn’t root for any particular relationship, which is to be expected from me in a book like this.
I didn’t really notice the writing much? Which is probably a positive thing, it didn’t get in the way of the story, not overly flowery or anything. Maybe it’s because it was an audiobook that it just flowed so easily, but hey, I’ll take a win.
I also didn’t really expect it to be so modern. I didn’t properly research when the book took place so all the pop culture references came out of the blue for me. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
There are some sex scenes by the way, and the mystery element involves death (quite obviously), those are the only triggers I’d mention. And maybe child loss of some kind.
I’m very interested in reading this author’s other work, I know this isn’t his first book but it’s the first of his I’ve read and all things considered, I liked it! It’s a 4/5⭐️
Audiobook notes: I really liked how the narrator began each chapter for some reason, how he’d say the time each scene was taking place, it did something for me. And he also had to do countless different voices for every character, and accents. And he did so successfully. I’m a fan!
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ALC in exchange for an honest review.
I both enjoyed my experience and don’t know how to feel. I certainly didn’t expect to get attached to any characters, so when I didn’t it didn’t feel like something was missing. I always expect something toxic to come out of a queer lit fic. The characters are definitely something different from this genre, they’re not your average teenagers/young adults, they’re grown.
This was more of a mystery than I originally thought it was going to be. It was definitely the background but it was there. All those interlinking characters took the lead. It’s set in the world of art, galleries and the like. I didn’t root for any particular relationship, which is to be expected from me in a book like this.
I didn’t really notice the writing much? Which is probably a positive thing, it didn’t get in the way of the story, not overly flowery or anything. Maybe it’s because it was an audiobook that it just flowed so easily, but hey, I’ll take a win.
I also didn’t really expect it to be so modern. I didn’t properly research when the book took place so all the pop culture references came out of the blue for me. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
There are some sex scenes by the way, and the mystery element involves death (quite obviously), those are the only triggers I’d mention. And maybe child loss of some kind.
I’m very interested in reading this author’s other work, I know this isn’t his first book but it’s the first of his I’ve read and all things considered, I liked it! It’s a 4/5⭐️
Audiobook notes: I really liked how the narrator began each chapter for some reason, how he’d say the time each scene was taking place, it did something for me. And he also had to do countless different voices for every character, and accents. And he did so successfully. I’m a fan!
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ALC in exchange for an honest review.
May 22, 2025
I was a big fan of Cahill’s first novel “Tiepolo Blue” so this was a guaranteed read for me. Overall I enjoyed - as others have said there is a clear style to the authors writing and the unfurling plot against the backdrop of an art world spanning continents makes for an entertaining read. This novel really does capture the light and shade within the industry - i continuously thought how conceivable these characters were. There were a couple of darker themes and I felt these were handled well, perhaps a signature of cahill’s work will always be a loose knot or two at the end of the story which i can live with. Tiepolo Blue’s ending left me a little stunned so I was pleased the culmination of this book felt appropriate.
May 23, 2025
4.5 rounded up for goodreads i think... but leave it with me. Cahill's previous work was a solid 4 at the time of reading, but I've thought about it pretty much daily since so let's see how we feel in a couple of months.
So much of my enjoyment with reading this came from admiring how accomplished Cahill is as a writer... i can tell a lot of thought went into every word of this - the prose is gorgeous and the structure is so tight, for lack of a better descriptor. especially with the three points of view and how they're balanced: at no stage does the narrative drag or lose momentum due to perspective. Cahill knows exactly when to pull the story back, to stay with a scene or a character for an extended period, and he knows when to speed things up. It's so well done and such a delight to read. Such a brilliantly crafted novel and noticable growth from Tiepolo Blue (which I had already really enjoyed).
In terms of the story itself, I really enjoyed the look into the exclusive art world (which i cannot stress enough, i know fuck all about) and how much passion the author clearly has for the subject. You're thrown into the epicentre of this unfamiliar world but it's very accessible! and the different strands and mysteries are so well thought out. It's also so addicting - each time i picked it up i'd blink and 60 pages had gone by just like that. admittedly sometimes he'd lose me with some subplots but i know not everything is meant to be satisfying. Also my favourite colour is purple. so. i liked that part lol. And I thought the ending was really solid!
i have no real conclusion. just that it's excellent. I can't wait to see what James Cahil does next. i once again reiterate that i think i'd read his grocery list if it was written like his prose lol
So much of my enjoyment with reading this came from admiring how accomplished Cahill is as a writer... i can tell a lot of thought went into every word of this - the prose is gorgeous and the structure is so tight, for lack of a better descriptor. especially with the three points of view and how they're balanced: at no stage does the narrative drag or lose momentum due to perspective. Cahill knows exactly when to pull the story back, to stay with a scene or a character for an extended period, and he knows when to speed things up. It's so well done and such a delight to read. Such a brilliantly crafted novel and noticable growth from Tiepolo Blue (which I had already really enjoyed).
In terms of the story itself, I really enjoyed the look into the exclusive art world (which i cannot stress enough, i know fuck all about) and how much passion the author clearly has for the subject. You're thrown into the epicentre of this unfamiliar world but it's very accessible! and the different strands and mysteries are so well thought out. It's also so addicting - each time i picked it up i'd blink and 60 pages had gone by just like that. admittedly sometimes he'd lose me with some subplots but i know not everything is meant to be satisfying. Also my favourite colour is purple. so. i liked that part lol. And I thought the ending was really solid!
i have no real conclusion. just that it's excellent. I can't wait to see what James Cahil does next. i once again reiterate that i think i'd read his grocery list if it was written like his prose lol
February 10, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and James Cahill for this ARC!
After reading Tiepolo Blue, I was really curious to see what my next Cahill read looked like. One thing I can say for sure is that he is consistent and has a niche he sits quite comfortably in. If you want a book that is about the intricacies of the art market that really luxuriates in the diplomacy of it all, you can definitely rely on a James Cahill book for that. I personally find the prose readable but a bit dry for my taste, sometimes slipping into what feels like an author indulging so much that it felt overwritten rather than crafting a plot that holds my attention as well as I’d hoped. I did like it and read it in one sitting, but there were points where I was looking to see how much of the book I had left.
After reading Tiepolo Blue, I was really curious to see what my next Cahill read looked like. One thing I can say for sure is that he is consistent and has a niche he sits quite comfortably in. If you want a book that is about the intricacies of the art market that really luxuriates in the diplomacy of it all, you can definitely rely on a James Cahill book for that. I personally find the prose readable but a bit dry for my taste, sometimes slipping into what feels like an author indulging so much that it felt overwritten rather than crafting a plot that holds my attention as well as I’d hoped. I did like it and read it in one sitting, but there were points where I was looking to see how much of the book I had left.
December 10, 2024
I enjoyed reading this book. It leans very heavily on character perspective and very introspective descriptions, with the storyline moving quite slowly. There’s a lot of looking into the past within the story, and this was sometimes hard to follow for me. It read like a very extended character study. It was an interesting look into the world of art, collection and exhibition which I knew nothing about.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
as someone who works in a fine art museum, i was amazed by how sharply and accurately this novel captures the art world. it’s clear that the author truly understands the ecosystem: the egos, the money, the power plays, the dealers, the collectors, the unspoken rules, the fragile alliances. this is not a novel about normal people who paint sometimes. it’s about professional artists, dealers, and insiders, and all the drama, desire, and desperation that swirl around them.
the writing is beautiful without ever becoming overly ornate or pretentious. instead, it’s welcoming. Cahill draws you in like a slow spiral, pulling you deeper into the characters’ complicated, interconnected lives. their relationships are tangled in a way that feels authentic to the high-stakes, high-gloss world they inhabit.
there is a mystery that threads through the entire novel, but Cahill never leans too heavily on the mystery genre. but rather, he uses it as the spine of the story, a reason for readers to move through the art world, to examine each character more closely, to see how their pasts have shaped their present selves.
i can see how this might not be for everyone; at times, it becomes deeply art-world-ish, full of conversations about acquisitions, exhibitions, valuations, and reputations. but to me, that’s exactly what makes it special. the book pulls back the elegant veil of the art world and shows the human mess beneath the glamour. this one is a unique and memorable read that i found genuinely impressive.
-------
to-read:
this is indeed something i want and need to read. would be able to share my thoughts as someone who works in an art museum.
*thank you to Pegasus Books for the ARC*us Books for the ARC*
the writing is beautiful without ever becoming overly ornate or pretentious. instead, it’s welcoming. Cahill draws you in like a slow spiral, pulling you deeper into the characters’ complicated, interconnected lives. their relationships are tangled in a way that feels authentic to the high-stakes, high-gloss world they inhabit.
there is a mystery that threads through the entire novel, but Cahill never leans too heavily on the mystery genre. but rather, he uses it as the spine of the story, a reason for readers to move through the art world, to examine each character more closely, to see how their pasts have shaped their present selves.
i can see how this might not be for everyone; at times, it becomes deeply art-world-ish, full of conversations about acquisitions, exhibitions, valuations, and reputations. but to me, that’s exactly what makes it special. the book pulls back the elegant veil of the art world and shows the human mess beneath the glamour. this one is a unique and memorable read that i found genuinely impressive.
-------
to-read:
this is indeed something i want and need to read. would be able to share my thoughts as someone who works in an art museum.
*thank you to Pegasus Books for the ARC*us Books for the ARC*
December 31, 2024
An atmospheric twist on a whodunnit that poses more questions than it answers, all set against the glittering, double-crossing world of high art. Lorna is a successful art dealer whose relationships suffer and whose world seems increasingly hollow. Her oldest friend, Thomas, a famous painter has done her dirty in both art and life and when she is sent to London to see his new show and get a painting for an embittered art collector, the past and present collide in the most visceral and unpleasant ways.
This is well written, taut and pacy, full of shadows and strange, complex relationships. You always get the sense that there is far more going on under the surface of the book than what is actually described. It's tantalising and smart.
This is well written, taut and pacy, full of shadows and strange, complex relationships. You always get the sense that there is far more going on under the surface of the book than what is actually described. It's tantalising and smart.
March 15, 2026
A complicated web of lives culminating in a series of events that will leave all the players in this dramatic litfic questioning who they really are.
Thomas Haller is a renowned painter, having achieved a level of fame and success that most only dream about. But it's a tragic death on the eve of his latest installation that causes a butterfly effect of self reflection for Thomas and many of the other notable art figures in his life. Secrets will out and the darker side of the art world is revealed. And when it is? Not everyone will be left standing.
The Violet Hour by James Cahill is a read that was considerably out of my comfort zone. While I'm not a stranger to litfic, I do tend to read more fantasy or romance than anything. I'm also someone who knows nothing at all about the art world so this book was a first for me in many ways. What Cahill has written is a turbid, complicated web of individuals whose lives are all connected in various ways through art. From artists to curators to gallery owners to critics, these folks live and feed off each other until there is practically nothing left. The inherent darkness in so predatory a relationship as many of these characters have is blatantly obvious to the outside observer, but less so to the characters living and experiencing those relationships. Throw in the mysterious death of a young gallery employee on the eve of a triumphant return for artist Thomas Haller and you have the perfect recipe for intrigue, deception, and more.
I found myself eager to read this story but slowed down by the constantly changing POVs, some of which seemed rather abrupt. There were a lot of time skips as well both in the form of the current timeline as well as in flashbacks to events of the past. My interest was certainly held, but by the end I felt more confused about what was going on than when I started. The ending, to me, had almost no resolution. Sure, we learned the truth of some of the events that had taken place, but there didn't seem to be a greater why. There was no real punishment for wrongdoings, no real closure. In the end, I was left staring at the page asking myself, is this it? I can't help but wonder if this was intentional on Mr. Cahill's part. In life, we don't always get the answers we seek, the villain does not always pay for their actions, and some questions are never answered.
I may return to this review once I've had a little more time to marinate, but as it stands I was interested, I enjoyed the journey, but I'm not sure I enjoyed reaching its end. My thoughts on this one are complicated and muddled and I may need to put some effort into detangling them. I was left a little hollow and unsatisfied. That doesn't make this a bad book in the least, but it makes it complicated for sure. If you enjoy complicated reads that leave you deep in thought, this is a read for you.
Thank you to Colored Pages Book Tours and Pegasus Books for the tour copy.
Thomas Haller is a renowned painter, having achieved a level of fame and success that most only dream about. But it's a tragic death on the eve of his latest installation that causes a butterfly effect of self reflection for Thomas and many of the other notable art figures in his life. Secrets will out and the darker side of the art world is revealed. And when it is? Not everyone will be left standing.
The Violet Hour by James Cahill is a read that was considerably out of my comfort zone. While I'm not a stranger to litfic, I do tend to read more fantasy or romance than anything. I'm also someone who knows nothing at all about the art world so this book was a first for me in many ways. What Cahill has written is a turbid, complicated web of individuals whose lives are all connected in various ways through art. From artists to curators to gallery owners to critics, these folks live and feed off each other until there is practically nothing left. The inherent darkness in so predatory a relationship as many of these characters have is blatantly obvious to the outside observer, but less so to the characters living and experiencing those relationships. Throw in the mysterious death of a young gallery employee on the eve of a triumphant return for artist Thomas Haller and you have the perfect recipe for intrigue, deception, and more.
I found myself eager to read this story but slowed down by the constantly changing POVs, some of which seemed rather abrupt. There were a lot of time skips as well both in the form of the current timeline as well as in flashbacks to events of the past. My interest was certainly held, but by the end I felt more confused about what was going on than when I started. The ending, to me, had almost no resolution. Sure, we learned the truth of some of the events that had taken place, but there didn't seem to be a greater why. There was no real punishment for wrongdoings, no real closure. In the end, I was left staring at the page asking myself, is this it? I can't help but wonder if this was intentional on Mr. Cahill's part. In life, we don't always get the answers we seek, the villain does not always pay for their actions, and some questions are never answered.
I may return to this review once I've had a little more time to marinate, but as it stands I was interested, I enjoyed the journey, but I'm not sure I enjoyed reaching its end. My thoughts on this one are complicated and muddled and I may need to put some effort into detangling them. I was left a little hollow and unsatisfied. That doesn't make this a bad book in the least, but it makes it complicated for sure. If you enjoy complicated reads that leave you deep in thought, this is a read for you.
Thank you to Colored Pages Book Tours and Pegasus Books for the tour copy.
July 11, 2025
This one was a hard one, you know!! I was so invested in the characters, but not the plot. I think the characters were really intriguing, but then the ending left quite a few questions. But it's still a good read!
February 26, 2025
ARC REVIEW
3.5 rounded up
I was a big fan of Tiepolo Blue, so was naturally curious about Cahill’s next release. I have some pretty mixed opinions of The Violet Hour, though.
Cahill is consistent and sits so comfortably within the niche he has found and that’s brilliant. If you’re looking for a book filled with well written prose and outstanding backgrounds and characters with great depth, fhen it’s definitely worth the read.
However for me, it felt the prose sometimes dipped out of the story and into overwritten indulgence on Cahill’s behalf. It’s not bad, but it did mean that I struggled to keep with it, and only occasionally found myself hooked on the plot.
The characters are brilliantly crafted, but I found myself wanting more from some and less from others.
I will say that if you’ve read Tiepolo Blue and didn’t enjoy the era and it’s haziness (which I very much did), this is a stark contrast, set against colourful, sunlit London, New York and Montreux.
Overall, this atmospheric twist on a whodunnit is well done and worth it if it interests you. But for me it barely compares to Tiepolo Blue, which is disappointing.
Thank you to Netgalley and Sceptre for the ARC!
3.5 rounded up
I was a big fan of Tiepolo Blue, so was naturally curious about Cahill’s next release. I have some pretty mixed opinions of The Violet Hour, though.
Cahill is consistent and sits so comfortably within the niche he has found and that’s brilliant. If you’re looking for a book filled with well written prose and outstanding backgrounds and characters with great depth, fhen it’s definitely worth the read.
However for me, it felt the prose sometimes dipped out of the story and into overwritten indulgence on Cahill’s behalf. It’s not bad, but it did mean that I struggled to keep with it, and only occasionally found myself hooked on the plot.
The characters are brilliantly crafted, but I found myself wanting more from some and less from others.
I will say that if you’ve read Tiepolo Blue and didn’t enjoy the era and it’s haziness (which I very much did), this is a stark contrast, set against colourful, sunlit London, New York and Montreux.
Overall, this atmospheric twist on a whodunnit is well done and worth it if it interests you. But for me it barely compares to Tiepolo Blue, which is disappointing.
Thank you to Netgalley and Sceptre for the ARC!
March 1, 2025
Fantastic storytelling. Obsession in the art world that leads a character to believe they are above morality. An artist creating masterpieces, at the cost of knowing what love and even friendship is, exploring his toxic relationship with an art dealer and carnal desires. And a gallery owner you root for the most, really wanting to get to know her more.
I didn’t receive a free copy of this book from the publisher or other source. I paid for it, in a bookshop.
I didn’t receive a free copy of this book from the publisher or other source. I paid for it, in a bookshop.
April 17, 2025
I usually love books set in the contemporary art world, but I just couldn't feel anything for any of these characters.
July 31, 2025
read Tiepolo Blue and this book adds nothing to the experience. Couldn't get the point of it and didn't finish
March 6, 2026
‘The Violet Hour‘ by James Cahill is an unconventional debut that plunges its readers into a dazzling world of contemporary art, desire and privilege. The novel chronicles the life of Thomas Haller, an art historian whose existence entangles with a fellow artist, Lorna. The admiration Haller felt for Lorna slowly spirals out into possessiveness. Cahill has minutely examined the London’s galleries through years of research. His attention to detail while depicting art, architecture is commendable. The prose is verbose that acts as a sharp mirror cutting through the aesthetics and portrays the characteristics of a flawed protagonist. Beauty and aesthetics are the two forces that brews a heady concoction that draws the readers to a deeply unsettling world.
Leo Goffman is an immensely wealthy real estate developer and an art connoisseur. The dominant color of the painting he desires is violet, a color that Leo associates with his dead wife.
Thomas and Lorna’s relationship is complex even threatening to pull them down. Lorna’s aloof behaviour embodies both artistic genius and destruction. Thomas is a compelling yet a flawed narrator whose perception about art and the mechanics of it is fascinating. Cahill’s genius lies in meticulous examination of human nature through art, desire and power. He has signified the roles of collectors, art curators and how these figures in the art hierarchy mould both artistic freedom and personal relationships. The art scene comes alive through a social ecosystem that is influenced by status, wealth and myth-making. The result is a culturally rich and decadent story that lingers in the mind soon after the pages are turned.
‘The Violet Hour’ briefly resembles another book I came across few months ago called ‘An Architect’s Dream’ named after a painting by Thomas Cole. A thought that resonated with me was — how the architects have to design buildings and monuments that cut through time. These books made me contemplate about the lives of the artists beyond the easel and brushes.
Leo Goffman is an immensely wealthy real estate developer and an art connoisseur. The dominant color of the painting he desires is violet, a color that Leo associates with his dead wife.
Thomas and Lorna’s relationship is complex even threatening to pull them down. Lorna’s aloof behaviour embodies both artistic genius and destruction. Thomas is a compelling yet a flawed narrator whose perception about art and the mechanics of it is fascinating. Cahill’s genius lies in meticulous examination of human nature through art, desire and power. He has signified the roles of collectors, art curators and how these figures in the art hierarchy mould both artistic freedom and personal relationships. The art scene comes alive through a social ecosystem that is influenced by status, wealth and myth-making. The result is a culturally rich and decadent story that lingers in the mind soon after the pages are turned.
‘The Violet Hour’ briefly resembles another book I came across few months ago called ‘An Architect’s Dream’ named after a painting by Thomas Cole. A thought that resonated with me was — how the architects have to design buildings and monuments that cut through time. These books made me contemplate about the lives of the artists beyond the easel and brushes.
March 10, 2026
The Violet Hour is, to me, quintessentially a literary fiction. I’ve spent so much of my Bookstagram time in romance and fantasy that this particular book speaks like the subject that it surrounds: the harsh world art and those that deal in it. The tone feels very mature, as we follow several characters going through various points of emotional moments in their lives. The main characters are between middle age to senior, their personalities pronounced in their individual selves. When I say mature, almost every scene seems to have some sense of seriousness to it when it comes to their relationships (friends, family, lovers, business, etc.).
To me, this book reads as if I’m looking at art. Now, to be honest, I don’t understand modern art. But as someone that’s crafty and creative, I can understand that the person who duct taped a banana to a wall had a vision and so, too, did the author of this book. The descriptions of expensive brands to names of well known artists sets a particular mood that I couldn’t quite relate to. The best way I can describe reading this is like walking through an art museum, but only understanding half the names and reasoning behind the art within said museum.
Complex, weighty, definitely for a certain kind of reader. It’s very well written, heavy on descriptions. I feel as if I’d understand better what’s happening if it was on a cinematic level. I’d certainly have to read it again because the points where there’s flashbacks to the past blended too well with the present and I got confused. I can say this is not a book for my dad. While there is some family conflict (money related, standings on queerness), the fact that the characters have money to buy and live expensively is not relatable. I don’t regret having read this as this was a good exposure to something crafted in a genre I don’t generally read.
Thank you to @coloredpagesbt and @pegasus_books for the gifted copy.
To me, this book reads as if I’m looking at art. Now, to be honest, I don’t understand modern art. But as someone that’s crafty and creative, I can understand that the person who duct taped a banana to a wall had a vision and so, too, did the author of this book. The descriptions of expensive brands to names of well known artists sets a particular mood that I couldn’t quite relate to. The best way I can describe reading this is like walking through an art museum, but only understanding half the names and reasoning behind the art within said museum.
Complex, weighty, definitely for a certain kind of reader. It’s very well written, heavy on descriptions. I feel as if I’d understand better what’s happening if it was on a cinematic level. I’d certainly have to read it again because the points where there’s flashbacks to the past blended too well with the present and I got confused. I can say this is not a book for my dad. While there is some family conflict (money related, standings on queerness), the fact that the characters have money to buy and live expensively is not relatable. I don’t regret having read this as this was a good exposure to something crafted in a genre I don’t generally read.
Thank you to @coloredpagesbt and @pegasus_books for the gifted copy.
March 10, 2026
The Violet Hour is one of those novels that asks you to read slowly, not because it’s dense, but because the world Cahill builds is intentionally slippery. I found myself lingering over the writing as much as the plot, moving through the story with the same deliberate attention you’d bring to a gallery space: aware that what you’re seeing is curated, framed, and never quite the whole truth.
The title is the key to entering this book. The “violet hour” is that liminal moment between day and night when the world is neither fully illuminated nor fully obscured, and Cahill uses that twilight quality to shape the entire narrative. Set in the art world — a place where perception is manipulated, where value is constructed, and where truth is often a matter of presentation — the novel invites you to question what you’re being shown and why.
Reading it feels like walking through an exhibition where every placard offers context, but not clarity. You’re guided, but you’re also aware that you’re being guided. You’re given information, but you’re also conscious of what’s being withheld. And that created a strange tension for me as a reader: the prose felt effortless, but the emotional experience felt ponderous. I drifted in and out of the book, not because the writing faltered, but because the novel seems designed to be approached that way. It’s a story you observe more than inhabit — contemplative rather than compulsive — and that distance is part of its architecture.
Cahill leans into that ambiguity through characters who are both compelling and difficult to fully grasp. That distance feels intentional. These are people who perform versions of themselves, who curate their own narratives, who understand the power of being seen and the danger of being known. The result is a story where action takes a back seat to reaction, where motivation matters more than plot, and where the mystery is less about “who did what” and more about “why anyone believes anything at all.”
Is this a whodunit? Yes and no. There is a mystery, but the novel resists the clean satisfaction of a traditional reveal. Like the violet hour itself, the truth here is shadowed, refracted, and always shifting.
This is a character‑driven novel that thrives in ambiguity. It’s beautifully written, deliberately disorienting, and deeply atmospheric — a book that lingers not because of what it explains, but because of what it leaves unresolved.
The title is the key to entering this book. The “violet hour” is that liminal moment between day and night when the world is neither fully illuminated nor fully obscured, and Cahill uses that twilight quality to shape the entire narrative. Set in the art world — a place where perception is manipulated, where value is constructed, and where truth is often a matter of presentation — the novel invites you to question what you’re being shown and why.
Reading it feels like walking through an exhibition where every placard offers context, but not clarity. You’re guided, but you’re also aware that you’re being guided. You’re given information, but you’re also conscious of what’s being withheld. And that created a strange tension for me as a reader: the prose felt effortless, but the emotional experience felt ponderous. I drifted in and out of the book, not because the writing faltered, but because the novel seems designed to be approached that way. It’s a story you observe more than inhabit — contemplative rather than compulsive — and that distance is part of its architecture.
Cahill leans into that ambiguity through characters who are both compelling and difficult to fully grasp. That distance feels intentional. These are people who perform versions of themselves, who curate their own narratives, who understand the power of being seen and the danger of being known. The result is a story where action takes a back seat to reaction, where motivation matters more than plot, and where the mystery is less about “who did what” and more about “why anyone believes anything at all.”
Is this a whodunit? Yes and no. There is a mystery, but the novel resists the clean satisfaction of a traditional reveal. Like the violet hour itself, the truth here is shadowed, refracted, and always shifting.
This is a character‑driven novel that thrives in ambiguity. It’s beautifully written, deliberately disorienting, and deeply atmospheric — a book that lingers not because of what it explains, but because of what it leaves unresolved.
January 10, 2025
While the period setting of James Cahill’s debut novel, Tiepolo Blue, lent it a hazy light in my mind’s eye, The Violet Hour is all bright sunlight reflected off the glass and chrome of buildings in London, New York and Montreux. In contrast to Tiepolo Blue which was necessarily full of men, The Violet Hour has a more balanced roster of characters, from gallerist Lorna and her writer partner Justine to young filmmaker Marianna and taciturn factotum Bonita.
Lorna from a modest background has forged her way as a New York art dealer. Since leaving her abruptly, her art school companion Thomas has made it big as a painter of abstract colour studies, shaped, even pushed, into the man he is by moneyed dealer Claude. But reputations are fragile, nothing is secure.
This is all interesting enough that there’s no need for a plot to prop it up but plot there is aplenty: the novel opens with a shocking event then we’re whisked off to New York to meet 85-year-old Leo, who is defiantly unreconstructed, drives like a madman and is the kind of rich where you’re used to getting your own way and have people to take of everything, be it pouring your coffee or securing a painting.
We follow the characters to events in London, New York and Venice; there is ego and stubbornness along with scheming and odd behaviour, while a couple are just trying to make art. You may find, as I did, that the mention of so many works of art necessitates some happy sidetracking into finding images of them online. I recommend this if you fancy a peek into the world of modern art and a cast of characters that will stay with you.
Thanks to Hodder & Stoughton/Sceptre Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley.
Lorna from a modest background has forged her way as a New York art dealer. Since leaving her abruptly, her art school companion Thomas has made it big as a painter of abstract colour studies, shaped, even pushed, into the man he is by moneyed dealer Claude. But reputations are fragile, nothing is secure.
This is all interesting enough that there’s no need for a plot to prop it up but plot there is aplenty: the novel opens with a shocking event then we’re whisked off to New York to meet 85-year-old Leo, who is defiantly unreconstructed, drives like a madman and is the kind of rich where you’re used to getting your own way and have people to take of everything, be it pouring your coffee or securing a painting.
We follow the characters to events in London, New York and Venice; there is ego and stubbornness along with scheming and odd behaviour, while a couple are just trying to make art. You may find, as I did, that the mention of so many works of art necessitates some happy sidetracking into finding images of them online. I recommend this if you fancy a peek into the world of modern art and a cast of characters that will stay with you.
Thanks to Hodder & Stoughton/Sceptre Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley.
February 27, 2025
James Cahill’s The Violet Hour is a sharp and haunting exploration of the art world’s illusions, where ambition and vanity blur the lines between truth and deception. At its heart is Thomas Haller, a celebrated artist whose public persona—an enigmatic genius at the height of his career—hides a fragile, fractured reality. When a young man dies on the eve of his latest show, the carefully curated façade of Haller’s life begins to unravel, pulling his former friends, lovers, and rivals into a reckoning with the past.
Cahill writes with precision and depth, capturing both the intoxicating glamour and the brutal undercurrents of the art world. The novel moves between past and present, revealing how power dynamics, betrayals, and artistic obsession shape not just careers but identities. Lorna, Thomas’s former dealer and confidante, is particularly compelling, embodying the tension between artistic idealism and commercial survival.
What makes The Violet Hour so gripping is its atmosphere—an almost gothic sense of foreboding beneath the polished surface of wealth and culture. Cahill dissects the transactional nature of fame, the ruthless hunger for artistic relevance, and the price of both success and exclusion. The prose is elegant yet cutting, with moments of vulnerability that give the characters a haunting depth.
More than just a thriller or a commentary on the art world, The Violet Hour is a meditation on identity, longing, and the truths we choose to see—or ignore. With its darkly mesmerizing storytelling and psychological insight, it’s a novel that lingers, much like a painting that reveals new meanings the longer you look. A must-read for those who love literary fiction with an edge of mystery and a keen eye for human frailty.
Cahill writes with precision and depth, capturing both the intoxicating glamour and the brutal undercurrents of the art world. The novel moves between past and present, revealing how power dynamics, betrayals, and artistic obsession shape not just careers but identities. Lorna, Thomas’s former dealer and confidante, is particularly compelling, embodying the tension between artistic idealism and commercial survival.
What makes The Violet Hour so gripping is its atmosphere—an almost gothic sense of foreboding beneath the polished surface of wealth and culture. Cahill dissects the transactional nature of fame, the ruthless hunger for artistic relevance, and the price of both success and exclusion. The prose is elegant yet cutting, with moments of vulnerability that give the characters a haunting depth.
More than just a thriller or a commentary on the art world, The Violet Hour is a meditation on identity, longing, and the truths we choose to see—or ignore. With its darkly mesmerizing storytelling and psychological insight, it’s a novel that lingers, much like a painting that reveals new meanings the longer you look. A must-read for those who love literary fiction with an edge of mystery and a keen eye for human frailty.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2025
James Cahill's The Violet Hour is a masterful dive into the glamorous yet often sinister world of contemporary art, and what truly sets it apart is its expertly crafted suspense. From the moment a young man's sudden death casts a shadow over a high-profile art gathering, the tension is palpable, weaving a compelling "whodunnit" narrative that kept me utterly gripped.
Cahill doesn't rely on cheap tricks; instead, the suspense builds through richly drawn characters and the complex, often morally ambiguous relationships between them. As the layers of deception, ambition, and hidden desires are slowly peeled back, you're constantly questioning motivations and loyalties. The author's prose is as seductive as the art world it portrays, drawing you deeper into a labyrinth of secrets where every glittering surface hides a potential darkness. The feeling of unease and the subtle hints of what's truly at stake make The Violet Hour an incredibly satisfying and thrilling read.
Cahill doesn't rely on cheap tricks; instead, the suspense builds through richly drawn characters and the complex, often morally ambiguous relationships between them. As the layers of deception, ambition, and hidden desires are slowly peeled back, you're constantly questioning motivations and loyalties. The author's prose is as seductive as the art world it portrays, drawing you deeper into a labyrinth of secrets where every glittering surface hides a potential darkness. The feeling of unease and the subtle hints of what's truly at stake make The Violet Hour an incredibly satisfying and thrilling read.
February 19, 2026
The Violet Hour by James Cahill is a sharp, intoxicating dive into the glittering yet deeply dramatic world of contemporary art. Cahill does a wonderful job capturing the unsettling underbelly of the high-end art scene. The novel reads as both a biting satire and a mystery. It’s not just a thriller about a man unraveling. It’s a meditation on power, desire, and the artifice that sustains both art and identity. Enthrallingly intricate and richly immersive, this story was a riveting read for anyone fascinated by the intersection of creativity, ambition, and the darker side of success. The Violet Hour blends satire, mystery, and literary suspense. It really pulls back the curtain on fame, ambition, and the lies we tell to protect our legacies. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys this genre.
February 27, 2025
I was sent a copy of The Violet Hour by James Cahill to read and review be NetGalley. I really loved the author’s first novel Tiepolo Blue and though I did enjoy The Violet hour it didn’t have quite the same impact on me. I love reading novels that include art and artists, their art practice, and the art world itself, and this novel is stuffed full of all of these. There aren’t many likeable characters and sometimes things get quite confusing, and I certainly could have done with out most of the explicit sex! Perhaps I’m just a prude! Having said all of that the descriptions of the artworks themselves were beautifully vivid and I could almost see them in my mind’s eye. I would definitely read more of James Cahill’s work – hopefully ending with a 5 star review next time!
August 28, 2025
This is a complex and cleverly written book about the art world. Mr Cahill obviously writes of what he knows and it was interesting seeing behind the scenes. The writing is crafted like the art it describes and sometimes becomes overly pompous.
The themes are universal ~ love, betrayal, grief, stupidity, regrets ~ and the description of a relationship in free fall is beautifully captured. I liked Lorna and felt the narrative moved better when she was point of view. Leo was irritating beyond belief ~ as he was supposed to be. Thomas I felt was a bit superficial and I’d have liked more about his motivation.
Overall a good read from a clever writer.
I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley
The themes are universal ~ love, betrayal, grief, stupidity, regrets ~ and the description of a relationship in free fall is beautifully captured. I liked Lorna and felt the narrative moved better when she was point of view. Leo was irritating beyond belief ~ as he was supposed to be. Thomas I felt was a bit superficial and I’d have liked more about his motivation.
Overall a good read from a clever writer.
I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley
February 26, 2026
I read The Gallery Assistant by Kate Belli earlier this year and really hated it. This reminded me of it and I think I'm struggling to let my dislike of that affect rating The Violet Hour. I'm going to need to come back to this before I can give full judgement.
Production wise. I will say that the production of the audiobook is 10/10, the effects used when a character is on the phone is unparalleled and sucks you into believing the performance. It unfolds around you and makes you feel like the narrator is performing just for you. Andrew Wincott does a brilliant job narrating, while also giving each character their own accent. No small feat when there are male and female characters. 5 stars. No notes.
Thank you so much Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to listen to this ALC!
Production wise. I will say that the production of the audiobook is 10/10, the effects used when a character is on the phone is unparalleled and sucks you into believing the performance. It unfolds around you and makes you feel like the narrator is performing just for you. Andrew Wincott does a brilliant job narrating, while also giving each character their own accent. No small feat when there are male and female characters. 5 stars. No notes.
Thank you so much Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to listen to this ALC!
February 21, 2025
I love this idea of twisting the genre of a 'whodunnit' -- we need more of this kind of writing today, I think. The dry old formulas of the past can't hold a candle to this. Of course, the writing is excellent, and a real joy to read someone who isn't afraid of making the reader work just a bit harder for a big reward. The novel tells a story that is intensely dark, really, propelled by complicated relationships, and leaving narrative gaps that offer a real thrill of a read. I know I'll read this novel again and find new aspects I hadn't noticed before. Highly recommended and my grateful thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for the ARC.
June 19, 2025
A lengthy read but fabulously well written. I truly felt immersed in the contemporary art world evoked in the story, and felt the characters’ personalities unravel as if I had gotten to know them in real life. James Cahill has a stunning way of capturing the little details to make descriptions sound true, almost painting rather than writing. The narration glides seemlessly from one character to the other, from one plot element to the next, and everything is expertly tied together, with bits of new information dropped at subtly paced intervals. It is a story that takes its time, but it is timed well, and I would recommend it to anyone even remotely interested in art.
March 6, 2026
The Violet Hour, by the sensational writer James Cahill surpasses his debut novel Tiepolo Blue written in 2022. There is no doubt that Cahill has a unique way of expressing himself. The book can be interpreted as a satire of the rarefied art world and an on-the-nose depiction of the people who populate it. The characters are skillfully sketched, and their motivations are believable, yet they still remind the reader that, after all, the Violet Hour is a novel, albeit one readers will not soon forget. While the book has its share of intricacies and plot devices, it still provides a superbly entertaining story that will keep readers begging for more.
June 6, 2025
This was the first book I have read by this author and I purchased it after attending a talk between James and Stephen Fry at the Hay Festival. I won’t repeat the plot in my review as there are many other reviews which cover it. I have probably been mean with my stars which is purely because it wasn’t really my type of book. It is beautifully written and the descriptions are almost cinematic. I just found there was a plethora of sex scenes which I didn’t enjoy. It did give an insight into the art world and the characters were believable. A few annoying loose ends too.
March 10, 2026
Ok, I loved the premise of this book with the mysterious main character and his journey spanning decades as an eccentric artist. However, in reality this read like rich people behaving badly and self-centered artists without real problems. I wanted to love it, I just couldn't get beyond that. None of the characters were likable for me so I couldn't get invested in it. I do always love a story set (even partially) in NYC.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author James Cahill, and rb Media for an ARC.
#TheVioletHour #NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley, the author James Cahill, and rb Media for an ARC.
#TheVioletHour #NetGalley
May 19, 2025
While overall this came off better than “Tiepolo Blue”, I still at times felt the crushing tedium of overthinking and a whiff of academic superiority.
However the writing is so much better, more refined and less overworked , and the characters are, quite decidedly, more convincing.
I look forward to further novels by this talented author.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the digital review copy.
However the writing is so much better, more refined and less overworked , and the characters are, quite decidedly, more convincing.
I look forward to further novels by this talented author.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the digital review copy.
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