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The Thirteenth Husband: A Novel
Tearing through millions of dollars, four continents, and a hearty collection of husbands, real-life heiress Aimee Crocker blazed an unbelievable trail of public notoriety, private pain, and the kind of strong independent woman the 1880s had never seen. Her life was stranger than fiction and brighter than the stars, and she whirled through her days as if she was being chased by something larger than herself. Greer Macallister brilliantly takes us into her world and spins a tale that you won't soon forget.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 2024
206 people are currently reading
17630 people want to read
About the author
Greer Macallister
6 books1,029 followersThis author is also published under the pen name G.R. Macallister.
Raised in the Midwest, Greer Macallister earned her MFA in creative writing from American University. Her historical novels have been named Indie Next picks, Target Book Club and Book of the Month selections, and optioned for film and TV. Her new novel The Thirteenth Husband is inspired by Aimée Crocker, the most scandalous tattoo-sporting heiress of the Gilded Age. A regular contributor to Writer Unboxed and the Chicago Review of Books, she lives with her family in Boston.
Raised in the Midwest, Greer Macallister earned her MFA in creative writing from American University. Her historical novels have been named Indie Next picks, Target Book Club and Book of the Month selections, and optioned for film and TV. Her new novel The Thirteenth Husband is inspired by Aimée Crocker, the most scandalous tattoo-sporting heiress of the Gilded Age. A regular contributor to Writer Unboxed and the Chicago Review of Books, she lives with her family in Boston.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 343 reviews
March 12, 2024
The Thirteenth Husband is based on real-life heiress Aimee Crocker (1864-1941).
Her father’s sudden death bestowed her with ten million dollars which she used to have a very lavish life full of adventure and carelessness.
Seeing her parent’s business-like marriage, she craved romantic love. Her first marriage was before she turned twenty. The woes of her first husband ended very quickly and as the marriage was slipping out she was desperate to keep it together at first, then she asked for divorce. At which she became very proficient.
At first, the title seems misleading as she didn’t marry thirteen times. It is explained within the story what the number thirteen really meant and what would happen then.
The only strong trait about her that I can conclude from her life was her having guts to divorce during her time, and with her status it was heavily publicized. She was constantly in the spotlight which one might argue that she actually might have enjoyed it despite the criticism.
For those who enjoy reading about high lives of others this might be an enjoyable and entertaining read. In this regard, it is written well.
My problem with this story is that it’s one of those stories that leaves me questioning what was the point of telling the story of such frivolous person. What’s the point of shedding more light on her? She got enough attention during her lifetime. I don’t see substance or truly a strong character of someone who did something amazing with her life.
The pace seems fast at first but then as her adventures start sounding like repetition the pace seems to be slowing down. Or at least, the repetition for me was causing slow disengagement from the story.
P.S. I really enjoyed The Arctic Fury by this author, which I highly recommend.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Her father’s sudden death bestowed her with ten million dollars which she used to have a very lavish life full of adventure and carelessness.
Seeing her parent’s business-like marriage, she craved romantic love. Her first marriage was before she turned twenty. The woes of her first husband ended very quickly and as the marriage was slipping out she was desperate to keep it together at first, then she asked for divorce. At which she became very proficient.
At first, the title seems misleading as she didn’t marry thirteen times. It is explained within the story what the number thirteen really meant and what would happen then.
The only strong trait about her that I can conclude from her life was her having guts to divorce during her time, and with her status it was heavily publicized. She was constantly in the spotlight which one might argue that she actually might have enjoyed it despite the criticism.
For those who enjoy reading about high lives of others this might be an enjoyable and entertaining read. In this regard, it is written well.
My problem with this story is that it’s one of those stories that leaves me questioning what was the point of telling the story of such frivolous person. What’s the point of shedding more light on her? She got enough attention during her lifetime. I don’t see substance or truly a strong character of someone who did something amazing with her life.
The pace seems fast at first but then as her adventures start sounding like repetition the pace seems to be slowing down. Or at least, the repetition for me was causing slow disengagement from the story.
P.S. I really enjoyed The Arctic Fury by this author, which I highly recommend.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 27, 2024
Aimee Crocker was a wife at 17, a mother at 19, and divorced at 23 years of age.
She inherited a fortune at the age of ten years old when her father passed.
A fortuneteller in Spain told her that her 13th husband would bury her. She had many relationships, including a German prince and Spanish Torador.
You know what they say Truth is stranger than fiction.
I just couldn’t believe the life that she had. I had to google and find out if this was true, and I found out she was a real person.
According to Wikipedia, “Aimee Crocker was a mystic, Bohemian and author. She was known for her cultural explorations to the Far East, for her extravagant parties, and her collections of husbands and lovers.”
Amy will take you on a journey across many continents and many husbands and relationships.
This is a very interesting book. Amy was a very strong woman, and knew what she wanted.
Greer Macallister did a fabulous job in bringing Aimee to life. I have read The Arctic Fury by her and was interested to read this book. Of course this book is part fiction part based on facts.
It was a very enjoyable read.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC .
She inherited a fortune at the age of ten years old when her father passed.
A fortuneteller in Spain told her that her 13th husband would bury her. She had many relationships, including a German prince and Spanish Torador.
You know what they say Truth is stranger than fiction.
I just couldn’t believe the life that she had. I had to google and find out if this was true, and I found out she was a real person.
According to Wikipedia, “Aimee Crocker was a mystic, Bohemian and author. She was known for her cultural explorations to the Far East, for her extravagant parties, and her collections of husbands and lovers.”
Amy will take you on a journey across many continents and many husbands and relationships.
This is a very interesting book. Amy was a very strong woman, and knew what she wanted.
Greer Macallister did a fabulous job in bringing Aimee to life. I have read The Arctic Fury by her and was interested to read this book. Of course this book is part fiction part based on facts.
It was a very enjoyable read.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC .
July 5, 2024
1875. When Amy was ten her father Edwin B. Crocker passed away and she inherited ten million dollars and can you image having that much money at such a young age. Her mother Margaret found Amy a handful, she sent a boy-crazy Amy to finishing school in Dresden, Germany. At sixteen Amy fell in love with Prince Alexander of Saxe Weimar and then a Spanish bullfighter.
1883. Amy married her first husband Porter Ashe in secret, of course the press found out and it was front page news. Amy wasn’t prepared for motherhood, her daughter Gladys was born and her marriage to Ashe fell apart and a lengthy court and custody battle took place and it was covered by the papers.
Aimée loved to travel, she went to Hawaii after the end of her marriage and a mystic in Spain told her she would have thirteen husbands. Aimée married several more times, but tragedy and misfortune seemed to follow her, she didn’t care what other people thought, did what she wanted and I guess you can when you have that much money!
I received a copy of The Thirteenth Husband by Greer Macallister from Edelweiss Plus and Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review. I must admit I had never heard of Amy/Aimée Crocker before reading this book, she certainly had an interesting life, full of public notoriety, the press loved to publish what she had done and I guess the more scandalous the better.
I found the title of the book a little misleading, however I felt Aimée was looking for one thing, that was to be loved and not for her money. Writing a novel about real people can be tricky, while Ms. Macallister is a wonderful author and I think she should've chosen a different woman to write about and that's just my opinion. Four stars from me, Aimée certainly had a colourful and unique life and I preferred The Arctic Fury.
1883. Amy married her first husband Porter Ashe in secret, of course the press found out and it was front page news. Amy wasn’t prepared for motherhood, her daughter Gladys was born and her marriage to Ashe fell apart and a lengthy court and custody battle took place and it was covered by the papers.
Aimée loved to travel, she went to Hawaii after the end of her marriage and a mystic in Spain told her she would have thirteen husbands. Aimée married several more times, but tragedy and misfortune seemed to follow her, she didn’t care what other people thought, did what she wanted and I guess you can when you have that much money!
I received a copy of The Thirteenth Husband by Greer Macallister from Edelweiss Plus and Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review. I must admit I had never heard of Amy/Aimée Crocker before reading this book, she certainly had an interesting life, full of public notoriety, the press loved to publish what she had done and I guess the more scandalous the better.
I found the title of the book a little misleading, however I felt Aimée was looking for one thing, that was to be loved and not for her money. Writing a novel about real people can be tricky, while Ms. Macallister is a wonderful author and I think she should've chosen a different woman to write about and that's just my opinion. Four stars from me, Aimée certainly had a colourful and unique life and I preferred The Arctic Fury.
August 7, 2024
The first thing to be aware of when starting this book is that it is based on the life of a real person, child heiress Aimee Crocker. At ten years of age, in 1875, she inherited 10 million dollars. The equivalent today would be about 200 million. A colossal fortune for anyone let alone a child.
With all that money there was very little to hold her back and her adult lifestyle was bohemian and frequently outrageous especially by the standards of the day. The title is misleading as she had seven (I think but I lost count at one point) husbands and the rest were her significant lovers.
I had never heard of Aimee before and her financial circumstances were truly incredible. It was an amazing life but unfortunately presented as a book it became repetitive meeting one man after another. Just an okay read for me. Three stars.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
With all that money there was very little to hold her back and her adult lifestyle was bohemian and frequently outrageous especially by the standards of the day. The title is misleading as she had seven (I think but I lost count at one point) husbands and the rest were her significant lovers.
I had never heard of Aimee before and her financial circumstances were truly incredible. It was an amazing life but unfortunately presented as a book it became repetitive meeting one man after another. Just an okay read for me. Three stars.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
August 1, 2024
'I think it is folly to allow a single chance for pleasure slip past you'
In the 1880s, Aimee Crocker inherited $10 million upon her father's death (the approx equivalent of over $200 million today), and with that security, Aimee was able to live a life of absolute independence and pleasure, 'They were outraged by the notion of a woman determined to make her own choices. They labeled me an adventuress, a hussy, a known menace'. However, money her money didn't seem to be able to buy her true love - or at least for very long. Despite being a firm believer in spiritualism, regularly partaking in tarot readings, and visiting fortune-tellers, Aimee simply couldn't find the answers to resolve her romantic quandry. This didn't stop her from ever trying, 'Rings didn't make husbands. In a way, I had fused with so many other men, some sexual and romantic, some one or the other, some with a different bend entirely'. When you live to an old age, the body count starts piling up!
There is no doubt that Aimee Crocker was an eccentric, who lived her life to the fullest and didn't give two hoots what anyone thought. Her travels, her lifestyle, and her love life coagulate into the fantastical. I’m not sure, however, that, as scintillating as the title is, focusing on her love life was the best angle to take though. Knowing, at the outset, that all her relationships are ultimately doomed, results in parts of the story feeling like a ‘rinse and repeat’. Whereas, other, just as fascinating and outrageous aspects of her life seem glanced over.
Overall, this is still a good read, and any historical fiction fan should give it a try and see what they make of Aimee Crocker and her many men!
In the 1880s, Aimee Crocker inherited $10 million upon her father's death (the approx equivalent of over $200 million today), and with that security, Aimee was able to live a life of absolute independence and pleasure, 'They were outraged by the notion of a woman determined to make her own choices. They labeled me an adventuress, a hussy, a known menace'. However, money her money didn't seem to be able to buy her true love - or at least for very long. Despite being a firm believer in spiritualism, regularly partaking in tarot readings, and visiting fortune-tellers, Aimee simply couldn't find the answers to resolve her romantic quandry. This didn't stop her from ever trying, 'Rings didn't make husbands. In a way, I had fused with so many other men, some sexual and romantic, some one or the other, some with a different bend entirely'. When you live to an old age, the body count starts piling up!
There is no doubt that Aimee Crocker was an eccentric, who lived her life to the fullest and didn't give two hoots what anyone thought. Her travels, her lifestyle, and her love life coagulate into the fantastical. I’m not sure, however, that, as scintillating as the title is, focusing on her love life was the best angle to take though. Knowing, at the outset, that all her relationships are ultimately doomed, results in parts of the story feeling like a ‘rinse and repeat’. Whereas, other, just as fascinating and outrageous aspects of her life seem glanced over.
Overall, this is still a good read, and any historical fiction fan should give it a try and see what they make of Aimee Crocker and her many men!
August 19, 2024
The Thirteenth Husband by Greer Macallister was about Aimee Crocker, an heiress, who lived between 1864 and 1941. Aimee became an heiress when her father suddenly died when Aimee was just ten years old. She inherited ten million dollars which over the years of Aimee Crocker’s life became a hindrance, burden and a way to satisfy her quest for fame, adventure and travel. Aimee was a strong, independent woman, a woman that was considered to be ahead of her time. She led a glamorous and privileged life and was married and divorced several times. She had one husband that she was head over heels in love with who died an early death. Her travels took her to Hawaii, India and other places as well. Aimee often found the press going out of their way to place Aimee in the spotlight even though she tried to avoid their attention at all costs. Throughout Aimee’s life, she was drawn to psychics, fortune tellers and tarot card readers to help her navigate her future.
Although, I found Aimee Crocker’s life entertaining at times, sad at other times and sometimes even frustrating there were no major contributions that she made to society that warranted a book about her life in my opinion. She went through men like water but did not marry thirteen times as the title suggests. Although The Thirteenth Husband was well written and was historically correct for the most part, it lacked substance. I listened to audiobook that was narrated very well by Suzanne Toren.
Thank you to Recorded Books for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of The Thirteenth Husband by Greer Macallister through Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
Although, I found Aimee Crocker’s life entertaining at times, sad at other times and sometimes even frustrating there were no major contributions that she made to society that warranted a book about her life in my opinion. She went through men like water but did not marry thirteen times as the title suggests. Although The Thirteenth Husband was well written and was historically correct for the most part, it lacked substance. I listened to audiobook that was narrated very well by Suzanne Toren.
Thank you to Recorded Books for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of The Thirteenth Husband by Greer Macallister through Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
August 17, 2024
Based on the tumultuous story of real-life heiress, Aimee Crocker, The Thirteenth Husband is part-biography/part-fiction set in the 1880s about a trailblazing woman well ahead of her time. In fact, Crocker was known for her well-publicized divorces (something unheard of for a woman to be able to legally initiate in the 19th century, but Crocker didn’t let much get in her way) her cross-continental travels, her countless extravagant parties, and, of course, for her collection of husbands and lovers along the way. She also had a strong fondness of tattoos, Buddhas, and snakes as part of her bohemian lifestyle.
Although Crocker had her fair share of marriages, the title of this book is a bit misleading. When Aimee is ten years old, a fortune teller her that her thirteenth husband will bury her. Moments later, Aimee’s father dies of a heart attack, and she becomes a multi-millionaire heiress. Greer Macallister takes us further into Crocker’s world as she tears through millions of dollars and a collection of husbands, leaving a trail of public scandal and private tragedy in her wake.
What worked for me as a lover of historical fiction was learning about Aimee Crocker for the first time and needing to know everything I could about her thanks to Macallister’s brilliant portrayal of her life. Naturally, I took to Google many times through the audiobook. Who can’t help but be captivated by a woman who shattered societal norms during a time when women had very few rights?
What didn’t work for me was the narration. I didn’t like particularly like Suzanne Toren for this, although I’ve enjoyed her in many other audiobooks.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks/Landmark for this ARC.
Although Crocker had her fair share of marriages, the title of this book is a bit misleading. When Aimee is ten years old, a fortune teller her that her thirteenth husband will bury her. Moments later, Aimee’s father dies of a heart attack, and she becomes a multi-millionaire heiress. Greer Macallister takes us further into Crocker’s world as she tears through millions of dollars and a collection of husbands, leaving a trail of public scandal and private tragedy in her wake.
What worked for me as a lover of historical fiction was learning about Aimee Crocker for the first time and needing to know everything I could about her thanks to Macallister’s brilliant portrayal of her life. Naturally, I took to Google many times through the audiobook. Who can’t help but be captivated by a woman who shattered societal norms during a time when women had very few rights?
What didn’t work for me was the narration. I didn’t like particularly like Suzanne Toren for this, although I’ve enjoyed her in many other audiobooks.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks/Landmark for this ARC.
March 6, 2025
THE THIRTEENTH HUSBAND- a sweeping saga... and based on a true life journey!
Main character, Amiee Crocker, lived a fluid life, brimming with constant change and excitement. She received a 10 million dollar inheritance as a young child- a lofty amount of funds to receive back in 1875. Her journey boasted marriage and motherhood - before the age of twenty and divorce at the tender age of 23. Her life can only be depicted as extravagant- from exciting parties to an array of marriages and lovers that literally made my head spin. My boring, little simple life could never compare! Haha!
This novel is definitely worth reading! Put your feet up, relax with your favourite drink- and be entertained! 4/5
Main character, Amiee Crocker, lived a fluid life, brimming with constant change and excitement. She received a 10 million dollar inheritance as a young child- a lofty amount of funds to receive back in 1875. Her journey boasted marriage and motherhood - before the age of twenty and divorce at the tender age of 23. Her life can only be depicted as extravagant- from exciting parties to an array of marriages and lovers that literally made my head spin. My boring, little simple life could never compare! Haha!
This novel is definitely worth reading! Put your feet up, relax with your favourite drink- and be entertained! 4/5
August 5, 2024
“I am more than gold bands and paperwork.”
Ready for a wild ride? Able to suspend disbelief for a moment or two? Enjoy impulsive, reckless characters?
Come learn of the outrageous life of a Gilded Age railroad heiress, Aimee Crocker! Inspired by this socialite’s bohemian lifestyle, Greer Macallister has fleshed out her story, giving us a binge-worthy ‘biography’, a well-spun tale, of Crocker’s adventure-filled life.
The quote from Aimee Crocker at the beginning of the book sets the tone and perfectly sums up her life. The opening quotations in each chapter were a nice touch and gave readers insight into Crocker’s life, allowing us to surmise that there’s more truth to the outlandish escapades than we’d like to imagine!
Who would have ever imagined that a 19th-century woman could have such a careless attitude and disregard the societal norms so prevalent in that era?! More than that, who would have thought that she’d have so much adventure and joy?! The author's note draws readers’ attention to the fact that Crocker’s exploits in this book are only the tip of the iceberg. What a wild life.
I smiled and gasped reading about this high society woman, this Queen of Bohemia, who travelled the world challenging the norms that were curated to produce ‘fine’ women. I was sucked in reading about her rubbing shoulders with Hawaiian royalty and dining with the Astors in Manhattan. The warning given by the fortune teller about the thirteenth husband kept me turning pages to see if she’d heed the advice and the inclusion of the mystic elements (ghosts, fortune tellers, and magic) kept me on my toes. I’ll admit to pitying her as I saw her struggle to balance motherhood and marriage and being willing to ‘settle for’ when it came to marriage. I closed the book reminded that appearances can be deceiving.
I’m thankful for my well-planned, quiet life with the love of my life. The grass isn’t always greener on the other side!
As the ride comes to an end, you’ll be left questioning what constitutes a husband, a partner, or a lover…
If you loved The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo or loved the writing style of The Arctic Fury, you’ll love this one.
I was gifted this copy by Sourcebooks and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Ready for a wild ride? Able to suspend disbelief for a moment or two? Enjoy impulsive, reckless characters?
Come learn of the outrageous life of a Gilded Age railroad heiress, Aimee Crocker! Inspired by this socialite’s bohemian lifestyle, Greer Macallister has fleshed out her story, giving us a binge-worthy ‘biography’, a well-spun tale, of Crocker’s adventure-filled life.
The quote from Aimee Crocker at the beginning of the book sets the tone and perfectly sums up her life. The opening quotations in each chapter were a nice touch and gave readers insight into Crocker’s life, allowing us to surmise that there’s more truth to the outlandish escapades than we’d like to imagine!
Who would have ever imagined that a 19th-century woman could have such a careless attitude and disregard the societal norms so prevalent in that era?! More than that, who would have thought that she’d have so much adventure and joy?! The author's note draws readers’ attention to the fact that Crocker’s exploits in this book are only the tip of the iceberg. What a wild life.
I smiled and gasped reading about this high society woman, this Queen of Bohemia, who travelled the world challenging the norms that were curated to produce ‘fine’ women. I was sucked in reading about her rubbing shoulders with Hawaiian royalty and dining with the Astors in Manhattan. The warning given by the fortune teller about the thirteenth husband kept me turning pages to see if she’d heed the advice and the inclusion of the mystic elements (ghosts, fortune tellers, and magic) kept me on my toes. I’ll admit to pitying her as I saw her struggle to balance motherhood and marriage and being willing to ‘settle for’ when it came to marriage. I closed the book reminded that appearances can be deceiving.
I’m thankful for my well-planned, quiet life with the love of my life. The grass isn’t always greener on the other side!
As the ride comes to an end, you’ll be left questioning what constitutes a husband, a partner, or a lover…
If you loved The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo or loved the writing style of The Arctic Fury, you’ll love this one.
I was gifted this copy by Sourcebooks and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
August 18, 2024
A captivating historical fiction novel that follows the life of real-life heiress Aimee Crocker, known for her scandalous and adventurous life in the 1880s.
After inheriting a fortune following her father’s mysterious death, Aimee embarks on a journey across four continents, amassing wealth and husbands along the way. Her life is haunted by a sinister specter, the Woman in White, who appears before every tragedy.
The novel explores themes of wealth, independence, supernatural elements, and personal tragedy.
Macallister’s engaging and descriptive writing style, combined with a blend of historical detail and fictional drama, brings Aimee’s story to life. Told from Aimee’s perspective, the narrative offers a mix of public scandal and private pain, making it a compelling read about a strong, independent woman navigating a life filled with adventure, wealth, and mystery.
After inheriting a fortune following her father’s mysterious death, Aimee embarks on a journey across four continents, amassing wealth and husbands along the way. Her life is haunted by a sinister specter, the Woman in White, who appears before every tragedy.
The novel explores themes of wealth, independence, supernatural elements, and personal tragedy.
Macallister’s engaging and descriptive writing style, combined with a blend of historical detail and fictional drama, brings Aimee’s story to life. Told from Aimee’s perspective, the narrative offers a mix of public scandal and private pain, making it a compelling read about a strong, independent woman navigating a life filled with adventure, wealth, and mystery.
February 29, 2024
A compulsively readable story based on real-life heiress Aimee Crocker, who stunned the 1800s world with her scandalous lifestyle and unluckily numbered husbands. A gem!
August 5, 2024
✨B O O K • F E A T U R E✨
#ad I received an advance gifted copy of this book - many thanks to @sourcebooks & @bookmarked #partner
The Thirteenth Husband // Releases: August 6, 2024
“History is so much more vivid and complex than we’re taught in school. People of the past weren’t sepia-toned paper dolls—they lived in full color,” Greer Macallister
You probably have heard of this book. I’ve seen it around myself and was delighted when a copy showed up on my doorstep.
Well, take all the good things you’ve read about this book and multiply that by 101.
Oh I loved this book. I mean what’s not to love. When you get your copy, or if you’ve already read it, then you know what I mean. And that writing? Ah, perfection. The tone and voice pull you deeper and deeper into the story. It’s engaging throughout and keeps you wanting more.
If you’re the type of reader that annotates while reading, get all your supplies ready - and some extra - because you’ll need them.
The tabloids have always been in the forefront of Aimee’s life. She can’t make a move without someone saying something about her life. Aimee’s life is not an ordinary one. Nor are her marriages.
Follow Aimee through different countries, marriages, and phases of her life. I love how the book reads as if Aimee herself is telling us her story. It’s some of the best writing I’ve ever read. Will def be checking out this author’s previous and future works.
This reminded me of “The 7 Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” only with a few more husbands.
Highly recommend this one!
#ad I received an advance gifted copy of this book - many thanks to @sourcebooks & @bookmarked #partner
The Thirteenth Husband // Releases: August 6, 2024
“History is so much more vivid and complex than we’re taught in school. People of the past weren’t sepia-toned paper dolls—they lived in full color,” Greer Macallister
You probably have heard of this book. I’ve seen it around myself and was delighted when a copy showed up on my doorstep.
Well, take all the good things you’ve read about this book and multiply that by 101.
Oh I loved this book. I mean what’s not to love. When you get your copy, or if you’ve already read it, then you know what I mean. And that writing? Ah, perfection. The tone and voice pull you deeper and deeper into the story. It’s engaging throughout and keeps you wanting more.
If you’re the type of reader that annotates while reading, get all your supplies ready - and some extra - because you’ll need them.
The tabloids have always been in the forefront of Aimee’s life. She can’t make a move without someone saying something about her life. Aimee’s life is not an ordinary one. Nor are her marriages.
Follow Aimee through different countries, marriages, and phases of her life. I love how the book reads as if Aimee herself is telling us her story. It’s some of the best writing I’ve ever read. Will def be checking out this author’s previous and future works.
This reminded me of “The 7 Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” only with a few more husbands.
Highly recommend this one!
January 18, 2025
This is a juicy account of a real and very scandalous heiress at the turn of the century not always likable but always delightfully ahead of her times. Snarky, unapologetic, and highly entertaining. A deft and skillful piece of biographical historical fiction. I’ll definitely be reading more of this author!
October 7, 2024
3.5 rounded up.
Based on actual events, this was a moving and captivating historical fiction novel about a strong young woman and her many husbands. Great on audio narrated by Suzanne Toren and perfect for fans of books like The seven husbands of Evelyn Hugo or The Liz Taylor ring. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!
Based on actual events, this was a moving and captivating historical fiction novel about a strong young woman and her many husbands. Great on audio narrated by Suzanne Toren and perfect for fans of books like The seven husbands of Evelyn Hugo or The Liz Taylor ring. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!
December 28, 2024
I don't read narrative non-fiction often, though its a genre I enjoy. This is an interesting book about a fascinating woman who made her way through plenty of husbands. All along with a dash of the supernatural and a focus on tragedy and how we move on from it.
August 1, 2024
need to debate on how I feel about this 😂
July 30, 2024
The Thirteenth Husband
By: Greer Macallister
Pub date: August 6, 2024
Publisher: RBmedia
Narrator: Suzanne Toren
Heiress Aimee Crocker has led an interesting life. In the 1880s there really was no one like her. She was extremely wealthy, strong, independent and was full of mischief. She married so many times for different reasons. Convenience, love, lust or helping her or a friend to get what she wanted. She also partook in tarot reading and fortune tellers.
She really lived her life to the fullest and really did not care about what others thought of her. I did not know about Crocker, but this was not a boring novel and her life must have rolled some eyes. We only have one life, and she was truly seeking many things.
Thank you RBmedia for this gifted audio. The narrator did a fabulous job telling Crocker’s story.
By: Greer Macallister
Pub date: August 6, 2024
Publisher: RBmedia
Narrator: Suzanne Toren
Heiress Aimee Crocker has led an interesting life. In the 1880s there really was no one like her. She was extremely wealthy, strong, independent and was full of mischief. She married so many times for different reasons. Convenience, love, lust or helping her or a friend to get what she wanted. She also partook in tarot reading and fortune tellers.
She really lived her life to the fullest and really did not care about what others thought of her. I did not know about Crocker, but this was not a boring novel and her life must have rolled some eyes. We only have one life, and she was truly seeking many things.
Thank you RBmedia for this gifted audio. The narrator did a fabulous job telling Crocker’s story.
February 18, 2024
The Thirteenth Husband is a glorious part-fictionalization, part-biography about Aimee Crocker who was a trailblazer in the late 1800s. Truth be told, I just had to go full google and do some research after reading the book because, well, what a firecracker! I seem to be on a run of mid-19th century independant bobshells and I am here for it!
Aimee defines the term bohemian, and at the time, this was not the word a woman would have associated with her, but, Aimee was a very, very wealthy heiress and as such, had the money and power to stand up to soceital norms of the time, flash her snakes and pearls and go off and consult with her palm reader as to what the next day will bring.
Greer McAllister has done a brilliant job at bringing Aimee Crockett inot our consciousness again and my goodness gravy, it felt good to read about a woman that just did not give a flying fig what anyone thought. This one is defo a keeper (but certainly not what she said about her husbands, mostly)
Thank you very much to Netgalley, Sourcebooks and the fantastic Greer McAllister for this brilliant ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own
Aimee defines the term bohemian, and at the time, this was not the word a woman would have associated with her, but, Aimee was a very, very wealthy heiress and as such, had the money and power to stand up to soceital norms of the time, flash her snakes and pearls and go off and consult with her palm reader as to what the next day will bring.
Greer McAllister has done a brilliant job at bringing Aimee Crockett inot our consciousness again and my goodness gravy, it felt good to read about a woman that just did not give a flying fig what anyone thought. This one is defo a keeper (but certainly not what she said about her husbands, mostly)
Thank you very much to Netgalley, Sourcebooks and the fantastic Greer McAllister for this brilliant ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own
August 1, 2024
Another excellent story by an author I am beginning to throughly enjoy.
This book is so different from the last one I read by this author. Though still a historical book. This one is about a woman. A woman named Amy/Aimee. Set back in the late 1800s and when women had very few rights. To ask for a divorce was just not done. Only a man could get a divorce. But it seems that Aimee got a few in her lifetime.
Amy/Aimee Crocker became a muliti-millionaire at the age of ten. Her father died of a heart attack and from there it seems her life is set. Set to go from one man to another. Possibly, or in my opinion, looking for love. A love that she didn't get from her dad because of him dying while she was so young. Of course he doted on her up until that death. Her mother I felt was a bit cold and her sister was just a jerk. My opinions on all of that but it seems that was how it was.
Amy was told that her thirteenth husband would bury her. A fortune teller told her this and she didn't forget it. Now when her father died she claimed to have seen a woman in white in her dreams. As her life progressed she dreamed of this strange women before a few disasters and deaths. Amy married her first husband kind of quickly. Supposedly he won the ability to ask her to marry him in a poker game. Needless to say that marriage was the start of Amy's long line of men. He was a jerk. They had a daughter together after which he seemed to want nothing to do with her or the child. Though he did kidnap said child.
Amy traveled extensively. All over the world. She met and went to bed with several men. She only fell in love with one man. True love that is. Even though she married a few times and had so many lovers her third husband was the one that she totally fell in love with. The one that seemed to complete her. Unfortunately he died and she was left with two children that they adopted. She grieved for him. Though eventually she did move on with life. She went through some very strange times. Met some strange men and was hurt in many ways. But she persevered.
Amy/Aimee lived a long and eventful life. She wrote some books about her life. She was treated like she was nothing for being a divorced woman. She was loved because she had money. She had children. She had what seems like a fulfilling life. The one thing I thought throughout this book was that her loss at such an early life layered the blueprint for her entire life. Looking for a strong love. A person who would be totally devoted to her. At least that is how it made me feel.
Well researched. Well written. I had no idea this woman Aimee Crocker existed. This was a very interesting story. I enjoyed it. It did make me cry in places and gasp in others. I felt bad for Amy/Aimee. But I also saw her as strong in many ways. She saw what she wanted and went for it. Even at the expense of not having female friends.
Thank you #NetGalley, #Sourcebooks/Landmark, for this ARC. This is my own true thoughts about this book.
Five stars from me.
This book is so different from the last one I read by this author. Though still a historical book. This one is about a woman. A woman named Amy/Aimee. Set back in the late 1800s and when women had very few rights. To ask for a divorce was just not done. Only a man could get a divorce. But it seems that Aimee got a few in her lifetime.
Amy/Aimee Crocker became a muliti-millionaire at the age of ten. Her father died of a heart attack and from there it seems her life is set. Set to go from one man to another. Possibly, or in my opinion, looking for love. A love that she didn't get from her dad because of him dying while she was so young. Of course he doted on her up until that death. Her mother I felt was a bit cold and her sister was just a jerk. My opinions on all of that but it seems that was how it was.
Amy was told that her thirteenth husband would bury her. A fortune teller told her this and she didn't forget it. Now when her father died she claimed to have seen a woman in white in her dreams. As her life progressed she dreamed of this strange women before a few disasters and deaths. Amy married her first husband kind of quickly. Supposedly he won the ability to ask her to marry him in a poker game. Needless to say that marriage was the start of Amy's long line of men. He was a jerk. They had a daughter together after which he seemed to want nothing to do with her or the child. Though he did kidnap said child.
Amy traveled extensively. All over the world. She met and went to bed with several men. She only fell in love with one man. True love that is. Even though she married a few times and had so many lovers her third husband was the one that she totally fell in love with. The one that seemed to complete her. Unfortunately he died and she was left with two children that they adopted. She grieved for him. Though eventually she did move on with life. She went through some very strange times. Met some strange men and was hurt in many ways. But she persevered.
Amy/Aimee lived a long and eventful life. She wrote some books about her life. She was treated like she was nothing for being a divorced woman. She was loved because she had money. She had children. She had what seems like a fulfilling life. The one thing I thought throughout this book was that her loss at such an early life layered the blueprint for her entire life. Looking for a strong love. A person who would be totally devoted to her. At least that is how it made me feel.
Well researched. Well written. I had no idea this woman Aimee Crocker existed. This was a very interesting story. I enjoyed it. It did make me cry in places and gasp in others. I felt bad for Amy/Aimee. But I also saw her as strong in many ways. She saw what she wanted and went for it. Even at the expense of not having female friends.
Thank you #NetGalley, #Sourcebooks/Landmark, for this ARC. This is my own true thoughts about this book.
Five stars from me.
September 18, 2024
If you like an unusual story especially with hand readings, tarot cards, mediums in a historical era, then this is the book for you. It
The is a story of an heiress describing her life with the men in her life and finding herself.
The way she approached life was fearless and fast. She doesnt’ give a damn what others think of her since she was a kid. He relationship with her.family is not so simple like most households.
This is a story based on a real life heiress named Aimee Crocker.
I enjoyed the novel but it didn’t leave a lasting impression on me. Fascinating character but it didn’t leave a mark on me.
Three and half stars from me.
The is a story of an heiress describing her life with the men in her life and finding herself.
The way she approached life was fearless and fast. She doesnt’ give a damn what others think of her since she was a kid. He relationship with her.family is not so simple like most households.
This is a story based on a real life heiress named Aimee Crocker.
I enjoyed the novel but it didn’t leave a lasting impression on me. Fascinating character but it didn’t leave a mark on me.
Three and half stars from me.
August 15, 2024
Amy (Aimee) Crocker -- a multimillionaire heiress of the late 1800s who refused to play by the rules -- is the fascinating subject of this historical novel. Through the first-person narration, we follow Amy from childhood to late in life, seeing her adventures and many marriages. It's a terrific read, and for me, an introduction to someone I hadn't heard of, but who I now want to know much more about. Highly recommended.
August 21, 2024
3.5 stars. Had no idea this was based on a real person till the end. She certainly did have an exciting life and admired her attitude for a woman in the late 1800's to the early 1900's. Maybe money can buy happiness.
"It's easier for a rich woman than a poor one to be depressed, as there are servants to take care of what needs doing"
"It's easier for a rich woman than a poor one to be depressed, as there are servants to take care of what needs doing"
December 2, 2024
When I started reading the Thirteenth Husband I didn't know what to expect. But what I will say is, letting Aimee tell her story was beautiful. The myths, the legends, the drama, the heartache and more. There was so much in this book that had me in tears, my heart in shambles and just heartbroken with her. Her mother!? That lady, I would have packed her up and left her wherever she was, Aimee and her daughter's relationship was also heartbreaking.
The only thing that kept this from being a 5 star read - was how the 13th husband came in. It felt rushed a bit. I would have loved this book so much more if it was a bit longer and detailed like the first 70%.
The only thing that kept this from being a 5 star read - was how the 13th husband came in. It felt rushed a bit. I would have loved this book so much more if it was a bit longer and detailed like the first 70%.
December 20, 2024
Mystical and enchanting. What a fascinating woman with travel stories.
July 26, 2024
I had never heard of Aimee Crocker before reading this book and now I just want to read as much as I can about her! A woman much ahead of her time, we see Aimee go from young naive heiress to an incredibly secure and self reliant woman who did not give A DAMN what society thought of her. Aimee herself was written so well and seeing her journey and reading about her travels and husbands was so fascinating. I did have some issues with the pacing however. The first third had me turning pages as quickly as I could, but the book lost steam in the middle and the end. There seemed to be more telling instead of showing and that was a little disappointing. I still overall enjoyed it and like I said before, it left me wanting to read up more on Aimee Crocker so I’m happy I read it!
CW: animal death, infidelity, death
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for an advanced digital reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.
CW: animal death, infidelity, death
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for an advanced digital reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 6, 2024
Poor Amy. She's so lost. She doesn't know who she wants to be, or who she wants to be with. All she knows is that she does NOT want to be who her mother wants her to be (or to be with). She goes on a journey, as the title suggests, through different men. She even briefly tries on motherhood for size (it does not fit). She also journeys through different geographic locations, which are vividly described and great fun for the reader to visit. Amy also goes on a spiritual journey though different belief systems. She spends her life on a giant "who am I?" quest that only an heiress would have the time and money to indulge in.
At the end, when she meets and speaks to her Thirteenth Husband, it's kind of poetic.
I was blown away by the author's note at the end to find out how much of this story is based on truth. The truth is indeed stranger than fiction.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark for the complimentary Advanced Reader Copy provided through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Happy pub day! Now available in the U.S.
At the end, when she meets and speaks to her Thirteenth Husband, it's kind of poetic.
I was blown away by the author's note at the end to find out how much of this story is based on truth. The truth is indeed stranger than fiction.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark for the complimentary Advanced Reader Copy provided through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Happy pub day! Now available in the U.S.
August 6, 2024
Hmmmm. I do not actually know how I finished this one. The most interesting part of the book was the author's note at the end.
I had a hard time with all the jumping around within in the books, and there was a whole lot of jumping around. It was very mis-mashed and not cohesive at all.
The story was interesting at points, but it was a lot.
The narrator Suzanne Toren did a fine job. She has an older voice, which is appropriate since the book is told by an older woman, but it was not super engaging to me.
Thank you to NetGalley and RB Media for the advanced audio listen in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I had a hard time with all the jumping around within in the books, and there was a whole lot of jumping around. It was very mis-mashed and not cohesive at all.
The story was interesting at points, but it was a lot.
The narrator Suzanne Toren did a fine job. She has an older voice, which is appropriate since the book is told by an older woman, but it was not super engaging to me.
Thank you to NetGalley and RB Media for the advanced audio listen in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 9, 2024
I usually enjoy reading about the adventures of people from history. But, this book didn’t really hold my interest much after the death of Crocker’s 3rd husband. I have to say I was glad when I could put it aside. 2.8 stars
November 7, 2024
3.5 stars
Imagine being the Paris Hilton of your time but during the late 1800’s into the next century. Aimee, who became an heiress in childhood, married young at 17 and was divorced by her early 20’s. A divorcée at that time was unheard of, especially when the woman initiated it, but Aimee always marched to her own beat. She was unapologetic about her adventures and her love life, experiencing the kind of freedom other women were jealous of and secretly dreamed of, but could never have at that time. Her free-spirited nature took her from her hometown of San Francisco to New York, and then to Hawaii, Japan, India, and France. Nothing slowed her down.
Aimee’s life is fascinating, and I appreciated the factual details Macallister included in her story. She was curious and open to everything. She wasn’t exactly a social pioneer, however, her steadfast pursuit of happiness on her own terms during a time when women still had limited agency over themselves is inspirational. The title is a tad misleading as there weren’t 13 husbands but you’ll get your read for yourself where that comes from.
Highlights:
* Historical fiction, based on a true story
* Strongminded heroine
* International settings
I’m glad I was introduced to Aimee, and her own self-discovery and adventures.
Thanks again @bookmarked for my advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Imagine being the Paris Hilton of your time but during the late 1800’s into the next century. Aimee, who became an heiress in childhood, married young at 17 and was divorced by her early 20’s. A divorcée at that time was unheard of, especially when the woman initiated it, but Aimee always marched to her own beat. She was unapologetic about her adventures and her love life, experiencing the kind of freedom other women were jealous of and secretly dreamed of, but could never have at that time. Her free-spirited nature took her from her hometown of San Francisco to New York, and then to Hawaii, Japan, India, and France. Nothing slowed her down.
Aimee’s life is fascinating, and I appreciated the factual details Macallister included in her story. She was curious and open to everything. She wasn’t exactly a social pioneer, however, her steadfast pursuit of happiness on her own terms during a time when women still had limited agency over themselves is inspirational. The title is a tad misleading as there weren’t 13 husbands but you’ll get your read for yourself where that comes from.
Highlights:
* Historical fiction, based on a true story
* Strongminded heroine
* International settings
I’m glad I was introduced to Aimee, and her own self-discovery and adventures.
Thanks again @bookmarked for my advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 17, 2024
I’ve never heard of Aimee Crocker until this book fell into my hand so I had no idea what a wild ride her life was. And I knew this was a fictionalized account of her life and adventures but once I finished reading, I looked up more stuff about her and was surprised by how many things were based on real events!
Aimee was an unintentional celebrity - a combination of her huge inheritance and her unconventional, strong willed ways made the media and public obsessed with her. I love that she used her money to travel and be independent in ways that were unheard of for a woman at that time! This story was filled with scandals, love, lust, heartbreak, tragedies, adventures and a touch of supernatural! I was thoroughly entertained, loved how vastly different men in her life were and most of all I loved how it all connected!
This one will appeal even to readers who don’t usually go for historical fiction, it really has a wide appeal.
A huge thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark for my ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Aimee was an unintentional celebrity - a combination of her huge inheritance and her unconventional, strong willed ways made the media and public obsessed with her. I love that she used her money to travel and be independent in ways that were unheard of for a woman at that time! This story was filled with scandals, love, lust, heartbreak, tragedies, adventures and a touch of supernatural! I was thoroughly entertained, loved how vastly different men in her life were and most of all I loved how it all connected!
This one will appeal even to readers who don’t usually go for historical fiction, it really has a wide appeal.
A huge thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark for my ARC in exchange for an honest review!
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