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The Estate
Art historian Camille Leray has spent her career surrounding herself with fineries and selling pieces worth millions. But she harbors a secret: she has the ability to enter the world of any piece of artwork, and she can take others with her. But tapping into history comes with great risks. And someone has been watching, someone who knows about her magic, and her mistakes...
After Camille ruins her career and reputation by misusing her powers, she vows to get her old life back. So when Maxime Foucault, an enigmatic aristocrat who owns a sprawling French estate, enlists her help in authenticating the statues of a mysterious artist, whose disappearance she has been trying to solve for years, she knows this could be her chance to turn her career around and get the man she's always wanted.
But something isn't right about the Foucault family and the grand chateau they inhabit, and as Camille gets sucked into its walls, she finds a world of luxury and greed that causes her to risk losing herself, and everything she has ever known, forever.
Filled with magic, suspense, the allure of Arthurian legend, and dark academia, The Estate unravels a mystery that spans generations—while blurring the fine lines between reality and imagination, creation and destruction, and being haunted or free.
After Camille ruins her career and reputation by misusing her powers, she vows to get her old life back. So when Maxime Foucault, an enigmatic aristocrat who owns a sprawling French estate, enlists her help in authenticating the statues of a mysterious artist, whose disappearance she has been trying to solve for years, she knows this could be her chance to turn her career around and get the man she's always wanted.
But something isn't right about the Foucault family and the grand chateau they inhabit, and as Camille gets sucked into its walls, she finds a world of luxury and greed that causes her to risk losing herself, and everything she has ever known, forever.
Filled with magic, suspense, the allure of Arthurian legend, and dark academia, The Estate unravels a mystery that spans generations—while blurring the fine lines between reality and imagination, creation and destruction, and being haunted or free.
416 pages, Paperback
First published November 19, 2024
111 people are currently reading
22196 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Jost
2 books125 followersSarah Jost was born and grew up in Switzerland, against the backdrop of Lake Geneva and the Alps. She moved to the UK in her mid-twenties and now lives in Buckinghamshire with her husband Luke and their adorable and fast-running dog Winnie. Sarah writes contemporary book club novels, with a touch of magic, looking at love stories in all shapes, mental health, female characters finding their confidence and quirky pets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
January 30, 2025
Imagine if The Secret History and A Discovery of Witches had a love child, but then that child grew up, took a semester abroad in Paris, and came back fluent in Arthurian legend and generational trauma. That’s The Estate. It’s magical, it’s suspenseful, and it’s basically the dark academia fever dream your bookshelf didn’t know it needed.
First of all, Camille Leray is a mess in the best way. She’s ambitious, flawed, and occasionally catastrophic—which is to say, relatable. She’s out here trying to resurrect her career, but also, you know, dealing with the minor inconvenience of being able to literally jump into paintings .
Casual. And while her magical art historian vibes are impressive, the real heart of this book is how it explores her messy relationships: the female friendships that ground her, the (super hot, obviously complicated) Maxime Foucault, and her chef’s kiss parental trauma that keeps spilling into her present.
So, after nuking her reputation, Camille decides the best way to redeem herself is by saying yes to a mysterious, wealthy aristocrat who casually owns a castle and needs help solving an art mystery. Enter Maxime Foucault: rich, broody, and practically screaming “I have a tragic backstory and a suspicious family.” Every time he entered the room, I was like, “This man owns at least one cursed object,” and I was right.
Speaking of the chateau: THE VIBES. Immaculate and terrifying. It’s like Versailles, but if Versailles had secret passageways and a tendency to eat people’s souls. Every scene in that house felt like a slow descent into madness, and I mean that as the highest compliment. The chateau is a character in its own right—luxurious, suffocating, and so tangled up in the Foucault family’s secrets that you almost expect it to start talking.
What really makes The Estate stand out is that it’s not just about magic and mystery—it’s about Camille confronting herself. This isn’t a love story about Camille and Maxime (although, yes, the tension is chef’s kiss). It’s a love story about Camille and her own identity, her power, and her messy, traumatic relationship with her past. The magic isn’t just magic—it’s a metaphor for the way we create, destroy, and rebuild ourselves, and it’s tied to everything Camille is running from.
The writing is lush, the suspense is perfectly paced, and the one true friend Camille has is a breath of sanity in her whirlwind of bad choices. The ending? It left me staring into space questioning all my life decisions. If you like dark academia with a side of emotional damage, this one’s for you.
First of all, Camille Leray is a mess in the best way. She’s ambitious, flawed, and occasionally catastrophic—which is to say, relatable. She’s out here trying to resurrect her career, but also, you know, dealing with the minor inconvenience of being able to literally jump into paintings .
Casual. And while her magical art historian vibes are impressive, the real heart of this book is how it explores her messy relationships: the female friendships that ground her, the (super hot, obviously complicated) Maxime Foucault, and her chef’s kiss parental trauma that keeps spilling into her present.
So, after nuking her reputation, Camille decides the best way to redeem herself is by saying yes to a mysterious, wealthy aristocrat who casually owns a castle and needs help solving an art mystery. Enter Maxime Foucault: rich, broody, and practically screaming “I have a tragic backstory and a suspicious family.” Every time he entered the room, I was like, “This man owns at least one cursed object,” and I was right.
Speaking of the chateau: THE VIBES. Immaculate and terrifying. It’s like Versailles, but if Versailles had secret passageways and a tendency to eat people’s souls. Every scene in that house felt like a slow descent into madness, and I mean that as the highest compliment. The chateau is a character in its own right—luxurious, suffocating, and so tangled up in the Foucault family’s secrets that you almost expect it to start talking.
What really makes The Estate stand out is that it’s not just about magic and mystery—it’s about Camille confronting herself. This isn’t a love story about Camille and Maxime (although, yes, the tension is chef’s kiss). It’s a love story about Camille and her own identity, her power, and her messy, traumatic relationship with her past. The magic isn’t just magic—it’s a metaphor for the way we create, destroy, and rebuild ourselves, and it’s tied to everything Camille is running from.
The writing is lush, the suspense is perfectly paced, and the one true friend Camille has is a breath of sanity in her whirlwind of bad choices. The ending? It left me staring into space questioning all my life decisions. If you like dark academia with a side of emotional damage, this one’s for you.
October 25, 2024
This was my first time ever winning a Giveaway so thank you Goodreads and Sourcebooks Landmark! This was such a nice surprise!
I am a fantasy girl through and through, but I am dipping my toes into thrillers. The Estate is an art thriller and it follows our main character Camille Leray who is an art historian with an amazing ability to transport herself into art. This was such a cool concept to me that made me want to read this book that much more. Imagine looking at a painting and being transported into it! Camille’s ability is a little more nuanced though, as she can transport herself into art but more so in a way of transporting into the mind of the artist as they were creating the specific piece of art. Seeing what the artist wants you to see. This is what gives her the edge as an art historian as she can uniquely tap into the soul of an art piece as well as the mind of the artist.
The Estate draws inspiration and contains elements from Arturian legend which was new to me and gave the story that much more of a fairy tale quality.
The story grabs your attention from the start, as Camille loses her career when she uncovers a fake art piece that jeopardizes the sale for her now-former auction house. But as she is at her lowest, the mysterious owner of The Estate offers her an opportunity to redeem herself. Faced with the ghosts of her past, Camile takes us on a journey of self-discovery and perseverance as she uncovers the mystery of her favorite artist and her long-lost sculpture.
The Estate is a page-turner! Full of mystery and twists and turns and it was hard to put down! I couldn’t wait to get to the end to find out what happened. There is also a theme in this book of how women's lives can be shaped and affected by men and their ambitions and how there is often lots of misconceptions involved in the process. Overall, following Camille’s journey was a wild ride but it shows that the past does not define us nor do our past notions about what our life should look like. Sometimes we need to reevaluate and let go of everything we think we know to freely live in the now.
Not everything is always as it seems…
I am a fantasy girl through and through, but I am dipping my toes into thrillers. The Estate is an art thriller and it follows our main character Camille Leray who is an art historian with an amazing ability to transport herself into art. This was such a cool concept to me that made me want to read this book that much more. Imagine looking at a painting and being transported into it! Camille’s ability is a little more nuanced though, as she can transport herself into art but more so in a way of transporting into the mind of the artist as they were creating the specific piece of art. Seeing what the artist wants you to see. This is what gives her the edge as an art historian as she can uniquely tap into the soul of an art piece as well as the mind of the artist.
The Estate draws inspiration and contains elements from Arturian legend which was new to me and gave the story that much more of a fairy tale quality.
The story grabs your attention from the start, as Camille loses her career when she uncovers a fake art piece that jeopardizes the sale for her now-former auction house. But as she is at her lowest, the mysterious owner of The Estate offers her an opportunity to redeem herself. Faced with the ghosts of her past, Camile takes us on a journey of self-discovery and perseverance as she uncovers the mystery of her favorite artist and her long-lost sculpture.
The Estate is a page-turner! Full of mystery and twists and turns and it was hard to put down! I couldn’t wait to get to the end to find out what happened. There is also a theme in this book of how women's lives can be shaped and affected by men and their ambitions and how there is often lots of misconceptions involved in the process. Overall, following Camille’s journey was a wild ride but it shows that the past does not define us nor do our past notions about what our life should look like. Sometimes we need to reevaluate and let go of everything we think we know to freely live in the now.
Not everything is always as it seems…
November 19, 2024
I picked this one on the blurb. Camille can step into the world of paintings ? Yes please !! A little sci fi a little fantasy and a little magic and a good dose of mystery! I needed this as a palette cleanser and loved it. (Of course my imagination is that big too).
From page one I was invested in this and not just because of the adventure. There is an underlying story of self discovery and perseverance. Themes of not letting someone shape your future and how to let go of the past. 10/10 loved this.
October 22, 2024
I wanted to like this, but it just wasn’t for me. I never really felt hooked. I found the plot difficult to wrap my mind around, and the characters weren’t captivating enough on their own to pull me in.
Ultimately I think I just wasn’t the right reader, and if the synopsis is appealing to you, I encourage giving it a shot for yourself.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC
Ultimately I think I just wasn’t the right reader, and if the synopsis is appealing to you, I encourage giving it a shot for yourself.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC
October 30, 2024
I desperately wanted to love this- but I just could not get into it. It felt hard to follow in my opinion and just like the slowest burn ever. I absolutely know this will be amazing for others so I recommend for readers to try it out and see how they feel.. the premise of the story sounds so good! Again, just wasn’t for me!
June 17, 2024
Quick Overview: Camille Leray is an art expert with a very unusual ability to enter into the fantasy world of an art piece and to bring others with her for the experience. After she falls out with her employer and is fired, she receives an offer from Maxime Foucault, heir to a chateau in Brittany, to travel to France to assess and value a sculpture found at the chateau. Camille met Maxime in childhood and never forgot the experience, so she readily agrees to his plan. However, neither Maxime nor the family is anything like she had expected. Slipping in and out of the fantastic world of the sculptures and the feverish grip of the chateau, Camille struggles to decipher reality from fantasy. Can she solve the mystery of the sculpture and make her way back to reality?
Thoughts: I wanted to love this novel as it contains elements that I find fascinating – a historic chateau set in Brittany, a tense gothic atmosphere, long lost artwork. It sounds magical. The characters of Maxime and Lila are well-written, particularly the slow reveal of Maxime’s true character. However I had difficulty wrapping my head around Camille’s “gift” which is just a little too fantastical for me. I cannot say much without introducing spoilers, but it is sufficient to say that I found Maxime’s long-term plan patently unrealistic. If you are looking for a French gothic suspense novel with a fantasy element to it, then I would recommend that you give this a try. Overall though it just didn’t deliver what I was expecting.
Thoughts: I wanted to love this novel as it contains elements that I find fascinating – a historic chateau set in Brittany, a tense gothic atmosphere, long lost artwork. It sounds magical. The characters of Maxime and Lila are well-written, particularly the slow reveal of Maxime’s true character. However I had difficulty wrapping my head around Camille’s “gift” which is just a little too fantastical for me. I cannot say much without introducing spoilers, but it is sufficient to say that I found Maxime’s long-term plan patently unrealistic. If you are looking for a French gothic suspense novel with a fantasy element to it, then I would recommend that you give this a try. Overall though it just didn’t deliver what I was expecting.
December 13, 2024
After sitting on this review for a while, I just can't rate this any higher. It falls squarely into the art thriller category with books like The Goldfinch and The Berninin Bust, but the repetitive writing and unnecessary romantic aspect really took away from the already difficult to follow storyline. Throw in the paranormal aspect and I'm out.
November 13, 2024
3.75 stars
Camille has a special gift - she can immerse herself into art to see the artist’s world, and what emotions went into their work. She can also take other people on this journey. As an art appraiser she’s surrounded by the most beautiful artworks around. When she’s called to a family estate in France to authenticate the recently found sculptures of Constance Sorel, someone Camille has been studying and admired for ages, she accepts the offer. Except as soon as she arrives, everything is off. The family is shady, the son Maxim who she’s met before is hot and cold and intense, and gets more erratic by the day. Camille gets lost in this world, and gets in over her head.
Alright, I liked the premise a lot. I’ve always wondered what it’d be like to touch an antique and glimpse its history. The story itself is bizarre. None of these characters feel real, especially the wealthy family. It’s as if they’re suspended in an alternate reality of self-importance. They kind of reminded me of that family from Saltburn. Where I initially found Camille interesting, I found her lacking in judgment later. It’s definitely a cautionary tale about ambition and taking it too far where it does your head in.
Highlights:
🖼️ Speculative suspense, fantasy, magical realism
🖼️ Art history, sculpture
🖼️ Set in France
🖼️ Old money, weird family
🖼️ Sticking to your principles, integrity
I thought Jost’s writing firmly entrenched me in that environment. I’d viscerally react to certain things. I felt a lot of push and pull with this story. I didn’t love it but I was enthralled throughout. I loved the ending. It felt like a nice, cleansing deep breath after the turmoil Camille went through. I’d say if you’re up for something a little different, you should check this out!
Thank you @bookmarked for my ARC in exchange for an honest review. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 is available November 19th.
Camille has a special gift - she can immerse herself into art to see the artist’s world, and what emotions went into their work. She can also take other people on this journey. As an art appraiser she’s surrounded by the most beautiful artworks around. When she’s called to a family estate in France to authenticate the recently found sculptures of Constance Sorel, someone Camille has been studying and admired for ages, she accepts the offer. Except as soon as she arrives, everything is off. The family is shady, the son Maxim who she’s met before is hot and cold and intense, and gets more erratic by the day. Camille gets lost in this world, and gets in over her head.
Alright, I liked the premise a lot. I’ve always wondered what it’d be like to touch an antique and glimpse its history. The story itself is bizarre. None of these characters feel real, especially the wealthy family. It’s as if they’re suspended in an alternate reality of self-importance. They kind of reminded me of that family from Saltburn. Where I initially found Camille interesting, I found her lacking in judgment later. It’s definitely a cautionary tale about ambition and taking it too far where it does your head in.
Highlights:
🖼️ Speculative suspense, fantasy, magical realism
🖼️ Art history, sculpture
🖼️ Set in France
🖼️ Old money, weird family
🖼️ Sticking to your principles, integrity
I thought Jost’s writing firmly entrenched me in that environment. I’d viscerally react to certain things. I felt a lot of push and pull with this story. I didn’t love it but I was enthralled throughout. I loved the ending. It felt like a nice, cleansing deep breath after the turmoil Camille went through. I’d say if you’re up for something a little different, you should check this out!
Thank you @bookmarked for my ARC in exchange for an honest review. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 is available November 19th.
October 26, 2025
This book was a bit of a disappointment. It just fell off course multiple times for me and became a bit tangential. The premise is so interesting, but the magic system was an after thought and not fully executed (or at least to the extent that I wanted it to be). Also, the villain is so clearly a villain and I couldn’t believe that our main character could not figure it out any earlier than they did. The last third of the book spiraled out of control in a way that was hard to follow and didn’t seem to lead to any major conclusion, but rather multiple mini conclusions that didn’t fully amount to a takeaway message. The attempted commentary on child abuse seemed to be far off undercurrent of the characters then suddenly took center stage and knocked off the magical aspects of the story. I found myself eager to continue reading for the majority of the story, but then it just really fell off for me and I struggled to follow. This book is sooooo Pisces coded lol if anyone has similar books where art and art history weave into magic and reality hit me with your recs!
Read
April 15, 2025Dnf 41%
I took a break from this book and found myself just uninterested in returning
I took a break from this book and found myself just uninterested in returning
October 3, 2024
This is one of my normal troupes and while I enjoyed it, and it was worth the read, it's not something that blew me away.
Absolutely a good plot, and great writing, no regrets reading it, and I would reccomend it to anyone looking for a slow burn mystery thriller, heavy on the mystery part.
Not a bad read.
Absolutely a good plot, and great writing, no regrets reading it, and I would reccomend it to anyone looking for a slow burn mystery thriller, heavy on the mystery part.
Not a bad read.
November 26, 2024
Sarah Jost's sophomore novel The Estate weaves an ambitious tapestry of art history, magical realism, and psychological suspense. Following her debut Five First Chances, Jost ventures into darker territory with this tale of a gifted art historian who can physically enter paintings and sculptures. While the novel's premise sparkles with originality and its atmospheric setting enchants, it sometimes gets tangled in its own complexities.
Strengths: Art, Atmosphere, and Ambition
The novel's greatest triumph lies in its masterful handling of the art world. Jost demonstrates impressive knowledge of art history, auction houses, and the intricate dance of authentication and valuation. Her descriptions of sculptures and the process of entering artworks are vivid and transportive. The fictional artist Constance Sorel feels thoroughly researched and believable, with clear parallels to real historical figures like Camille Claudel.
The setting of Château D'Arvor in Brittany emerges as a character in its own right. Jost's rendering of the ancient estate, with its secrets and shadows, creates a deliciously Gothic atmosphere that enhances the story's supernatural elements. The integration of Arthurian legends and local folklore adds rich layers to the narrative tapestry.
Complex Characters: A Mixed Canvas
Our protagonist Camille Leray is refreshingly flawed. Her obsession with success, validation, and the mysterious Maxime Foucault drives her to make questionable choices. While some readers might find her frustrating, her journey from professional desperation to self-discovery feels authentic, if sometimes meandering.
The supporting cast presents a more uneven picture:
- Maxime Foucault: A compelling antagonist whose charm masks manipulation, though his motivations sometimes feel muddy
- Lila Madani: The novel's most intriguing character, whose arc provides some of the story's strongest moments
- The Foucault Family: Well-drawn secondary characters who effectively convey the weight of heritage and privilege
Plot and Pacing: Occasional Turbulence
The story's first third builds tension effectively, drawing readers into the mysterious world of D'Arvor and its inhabitants. However, the middle section sometimes loses momentum, getting bogged down in repetitive internal monologues and delayed revelations. The final third regains energy, though some plot twists feel more convenient than earned.
Writing Style: Beauty and Burden
Jost's prose shines brightest in descriptive passages about art and architecture. Her ability to convey the sensory experience of entering artworks is particularly impressive. However, the writing occasionally becomes overwrought, especially in emotional scenes where simpler language might have carried more impact.
Thematic Depth: A Rich Palette
The novel explores several compelling themes:
- The nature of authenticity in art and life
- The price of ambition and the allure of belonging
- The tension between preservation and progress
- Female artists' historical erasure
- The complex dynamics of friendship versus romance
Critical Assessment: Where The Estate Stumbles
Several elements prevent the novel from reaching its full potential:
1. Pacing Issues: The middle section's momentum falters, with too much time spent on Camille's internal struggles
2. Convenient Plot Points: Some major revelations rely heavily on coincidence
3. Underutilized Elements: Certain promising plot threads and characters fade without satisfactory resolution
4. Tonal Shifts: The novel sometimes struggles to balance its various genres - Gothic romance, art thriller, and magical realism
Final Verdict: Flawed but Fascinating
Despite its imperfections, The Estate offers an original take on art, magic, and obsession. While it doesn't fully capitalize on its promising premise, the novel's strengths - particularly its atmospheric setting, art world details, and complex female relationships - make it worth reading for the right audience.
Strengths: Art, Atmosphere, and Ambition
The novel's greatest triumph lies in its masterful handling of the art world. Jost demonstrates impressive knowledge of art history, auction houses, and the intricate dance of authentication and valuation. Her descriptions of sculptures and the process of entering artworks are vivid and transportive. The fictional artist Constance Sorel feels thoroughly researched and believable, with clear parallels to real historical figures like Camille Claudel.
The setting of Château D'Arvor in Brittany emerges as a character in its own right. Jost's rendering of the ancient estate, with its secrets and shadows, creates a deliciously Gothic atmosphere that enhances the story's supernatural elements. The integration of Arthurian legends and local folklore adds rich layers to the narrative tapestry.
Complex Characters: A Mixed Canvas
Our protagonist Camille Leray is refreshingly flawed. Her obsession with success, validation, and the mysterious Maxime Foucault drives her to make questionable choices. While some readers might find her frustrating, her journey from professional desperation to self-discovery feels authentic, if sometimes meandering.
The supporting cast presents a more uneven picture:
- Maxime Foucault: A compelling antagonist whose charm masks manipulation, though his motivations sometimes feel muddy
- Lila Madani: The novel's most intriguing character, whose arc provides some of the story's strongest moments
- The Foucault Family: Well-drawn secondary characters who effectively convey the weight of heritage and privilege
Plot and Pacing: Occasional Turbulence
The story's first third builds tension effectively, drawing readers into the mysterious world of D'Arvor and its inhabitants. However, the middle section sometimes loses momentum, getting bogged down in repetitive internal monologues and delayed revelations. The final third regains energy, though some plot twists feel more convenient than earned.
Writing Style: Beauty and Burden
Jost's prose shines brightest in descriptive passages about art and architecture. Her ability to convey the sensory experience of entering artworks is particularly impressive. However, the writing occasionally becomes overwrought, especially in emotional scenes where simpler language might have carried more impact.
Thematic Depth: A Rich Palette
The novel explores several compelling themes:
- The nature of authenticity in art and life
- The price of ambition and the allure of belonging
- The tension between preservation and progress
- Female artists' historical erasure
- The complex dynamics of friendship versus romance
Critical Assessment: Where The Estate Stumbles
Several elements prevent the novel from reaching its full potential:
1. Pacing Issues: The middle section's momentum falters, with too much time spent on Camille's internal struggles
2. Convenient Plot Points: Some major revelations rely heavily on coincidence
3. Underutilized Elements: Certain promising plot threads and characters fade without satisfactory resolution
4. Tonal Shifts: The novel sometimes struggles to balance its various genres - Gothic romance, art thriller, and magical realism
Final Verdict: Flawed but Fascinating
Despite its imperfections, The Estate offers an original take on art, magic, and obsession. While it doesn't fully capitalize on its promising premise, the novel's strengths - particularly its atmospheric setting, art world details, and complex female relationships - make it worth reading for the right audience.
November 19, 2024
ARC REVIEW: The Estate by Sarah Jost ⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the opportunity to read this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Estate is an eerie mystery that explores how art blurs the lines of reality. Camille Leray is an expert at art appraisal and has devoted her life to studying the life’s work of a female artist with a tragic past. The secret to Camille’s success is her ability to step into the world that surrounds each piece of art and their artist. When Camille accidentally goes a step too far, her job and reputation are at risk. Promising an opportunity to get her back into the art world’s good graces, Camille accepts an invitation to stay at the grand French estate of the Foucault family, which holds an important key to her past. Camille immediately is both drawn into the mystery of the estate and afraid of what might happen if she loses her grip on reality.
I thought this story was fascinating! The vivid imagery Jost is able to convey as Camille travels between the worlds of reality and fantasy is intense and eerily stunning. I enjoyed the twists and turns but often found myself feeling frustrated at Camille’s naïveté. The ending didn’t have the payoff that I had hoped it would but I definitely enjoyed the journey! Jost touches on the idea of art being a symbol of power, while many feel that it should be accessible to people from all walks of life. Camille herself struggles to reconcile her love of art with the idea that many of the people who buy and sell art are only interested in money and power. The Estate by Sarah Jost will be released November 19th 2024!
TW: Mental Illness, Mentions of childhood physical and verbal abuse
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the opportunity to read this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Estate is an eerie mystery that explores how art blurs the lines of reality. Camille Leray is an expert at art appraisal and has devoted her life to studying the life’s work of a female artist with a tragic past. The secret to Camille’s success is her ability to step into the world that surrounds each piece of art and their artist. When Camille accidentally goes a step too far, her job and reputation are at risk. Promising an opportunity to get her back into the art world’s good graces, Camille accepts an invitation to stay at the grand French estate of the Foucault family, which holds an important key to her past. Camille immediately is both drawn into the mystery of the estate and afraid of what might happen if she loses her grip on reality.
I thought this story was fascinating! The vivid imagery Jost is able to convey as Camille travels between the worlds of reality and fantasy is intense and eerily stunning. I enjoyed the twists and turns but often found myself feeling frustrated at Camille’s naïveté. The ending didn’t have the payoff that I had hoped it would but I definitely enjoyed the journey! Jost touches on the idea of art being a symbol of power, while many feel that it should be accessible to people from all walks of life. Camille herself struggles to reconcile her love of art with the idea that many of the people who buy and sell art are only interested in money and power. The Estate by Sarah Jost will be released November 19th 2024!
TW: Mental Illness, Mentions of childhood physical and verbal abuse
July 22, 2024
Camille is a art historian who has the unique ability to enter the art she studies magically. She has spent her career studying one particular artist Constance Sorel. Someone claiming to have discovered Constance's last work Night Swimming brings it to an art gallery where Camille says it's a fake. She ruins her career by doing this.
This is were Maxime Foucault comes into play. Maxime and Camille have a history. Maxime lives in a huge French estate that he invites Camille to, to authenticate some of Constance's work. Constance lived for a period at the estate. Maxime also knows about Camille's special powers. He lures her into his world hoping to authenticate his art but also to use her power to bring large crowds into the art.
I liked the mystery about this book. It's definitely a slow burn but I enjoyed it. I found the general book ideas very unique.
This is were Maxime Foucault comes into play. Maxime and Camille have a history. Maxime lives in a huge French estate that he invites Camille to, to authenticate some of Constance's work. Constance lived for a period at the estate. Maxime also knows about Camille's special powers. He lures her into his world hoping to authenticate his art but also to use her power to bring large crowds into the art.
I liked the mystery about this book. It's definitely a slow burn but I enjoyed it. I found the general book ideas very unique.
October 27, 2024
3.5/5
This book has such a cool concept: our main character has the ability to enter artwork. That is so cool! But this book is also a thriller/mystery/suspense/whatever you want to call that sort of genre. Our main character, Camille, ends up working for a weird rich man and she is trapped.
As cool as this premise is, I really wasn't nearly as captivated and engaged by this story as I thought it would make me. I guess this is just another case of me wishing a concept was executed just a bit better. These characters didn't capture my attention and it was a bit slow going at first too.
I just wanted more from this. It could've been so incredibly cool!!
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
This book has such a cool concept: our main character has the ability to enter artwork. That is so cool! But this book is also a thriller/mystery/suspense/whatever you want to call that sort of genre. Our main character, Camille, ends up working for a weird rich man and she is trapped.
As cool as this premise is, I really wasn't nearly as captivated and engaged by this story as I thought it would make me. I guess this is just another case of me wishing a concept was executed just a bit better. These characters didn't capture my attention and it was a bit slow going at first too.
I just wanted more from this. It could've been so incredibly cool!!
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
November 16, 2024
I absolutely LOVED this book! Camille, an art historian, has a magic unique to her, in that she has the ability to"crawl" (or swim) into an art work, "see" the artist at work, and learn the story behind the art. She is also an expert on a semi-unknown sculptor, Constance Sorel, and as such, she is invited to a castle in Brittany, France, to value and identify sculptures that were found in an attic. I loved this because the plot was such a unique approach to art, with a touch of magic thrown in, plus I am a die-hard Francophile, and Brittany is my very favorite place in France! The story was very well developed, and all the characters were real, to my thinking. If you like France, and are interested in art, then this is your book!! I look forward to more stories from Ms. Jost.
November 21, 2024
Thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
THE ESTATE by Sarah Jost held a lot of intrigue for me - our main character can go into art and she also ends up in the throes of a mysterious, aristocratic family that she has prior history with - color me curious 👀
However, I felt the story to be missing quite a bit of tension and the plot ultimately didn’t seem to go anywhere. As much as I love a slow burn, this one was a slog to get through and I didn’t find the magical realism strong enough to carry the whole story.
THE ESTATE by Sarah Jost held a lot of intrigue for me - our main character can go into art and she also ends up in the throes of a mysterious, aristocratic family that she has prior history with - color me curious 👀
However, I felt the story to be missing quite a bit of tension and the plot ultimately didn’t seem to go anywhere. As much as I love a slow burn, this one was a slog to get through and I didn’t find the magical realism strong enough to carry the whole story.
February 19, 2025
The Estate is one of the most fascinating and enchanting books I've ever read while also being one of the most suspenseful and depressing. Even now, a day later, it's difficult to wrap my mind around all the things involved within the swirling tale but I can say that each of them was so beautifully executed by the author's words that I was captivated until the very last entry - which, I'm happy to say, was a happy one.
I cannot recommend The Estate highly enough. It is a wild and thrilling, beautiful, ride/read.
I cannot recommend The Estate highly enough. It is a wild and thrilling, beautiful, ride/read.
January 24, 2025
6/5 ★ i never wanted this book to end. it’s world is so alive and Camille’s gift is so cool (a metaphor for intuition, if you will!) and the parallels between Merlin, Lancelot, and Camille/Maxime/Lila’s stories are drawn so subtlety you almost miss it. it’s like a little nugget of gold if you catch it on time.
i don’t often give books such a high rating (especially one that breaks the rating scale), but this is a top tier read for me !!
i don’t often give books such a high rating (especially one that breaks the rating scale), but this is a top tier read for me !!
January 22, 2025
Camille Leray wants to make her career worth while again and joins forces
With Maxine Foucault an aristocrat who enlists her help. There is a little of
Everything here- faries, Sci if,,magic,power, and many twists and turns.
Camille is able to step into paintings. A well written tale, but just an ok
Read for me. This is a story of new beginnings, obsession, and art.
With Maxine Foucault an aristocrat who enlists her help. There is a little of
Everything here- faries, Sci if,,magic,power, and many twists and turns.
Camille is able to step into paintings. A well written tale, but just an ok
Read for me. This is a story of new beginnings, obsession, and art.
December 4, 2024
This was one of those very slow burn books that inevitably loses me. I found it difficult to really get into and to stick with.
However, I'm just not the right reader for this book. I know others will find it perfect for them.
As always, thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to have an advanced ebook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I'm giving it 3⭐️ because I know it has a good plot, and I wish I could've stuck with it.
However, I'm just not the right reader for this book. I know others will find it perfect for them.
As always, thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to have an advanced ebook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I'm giving it 3⭐️ because I know it has a good plot, and I wish I could've stuck with it.
July 2, 2025
What a wonderful world Sarah Jost has created! Art and magic and water and France -and I loved the Camille Claudel/Rodin influence!
August 23, 2025
3.5/5 - it was a quick read with a good plot. I felt like there was more room for a thriller element and deeper character development. The concept was really interesting, though!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2024
The Estate is an intense fever dream of a novel. Jost brings art and history to life through Arthurian myths and French Impressionism. This book feels like it was made for me as I studied both intensely in high school - writing poems about Arthur, Morgane, Merlin, Viviane while engrossing myself in the history and culture of the French Impressionist movement. The story was at times confusing and erratic, but I soon learned that intentional, and I was enchanted by the atmosphere of D’Arvor and the mystery of Constance Sorel. I loved the inclusion of magical realism and Camille’s dedication to Constance’s voice and story. This novel is perfect for readers who love art history, chilling mysteries, wronged women, and dark fairytales!
Thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
June 29, 2024
The Estate by Sarah Jost sounded intriguing from the description.
Camille is an art expert with a hidden gift by which she can get inside an artists creation and experience what the artist was thinking and feeling at the time they were creating. This supernatural ability gave her an advantage inherent in her field.
However, after a public blunder that put a patron in danger and shed Camille in a bad light, she is fired from her job.
After a few weeks of wallowing in self pity, she is contacted by a man from her past and invited to his family estate where she is tasked to evaluate some recently discovered sculptures, seemingly created by an artist that has been a lifelong obsession for Camille.
Once she arrives at the estate, we begin to learn that the past, as Camille imagined it, is not as it seemed.
Here, we are introduced to a very dysfunctional family.
I’m not sure where this story went off the rails for me, but it did, in a hurry.
The characters were all very hard to connect with or even like.
Camille’s thoughts were too many flowery words with such a lack of substance, adding absolutely nothing to the actual story, that I began to feel like I would never finish this book.
There was very little having to do with her special ability.
While we are told that she and the main male character had a history, this is never fleshed out.
The family members came and went with no purpose or reason, with just the suggestion of difficult emotions toward one another with no basis, reason, or background to make me care.
I felt a very strong dislike Camille by the end of this book.
She was supposed to be strong and independent, yet she let Maxime walk all over her, manipulate her, treat her poorly and she kept coming back for more.
She repeatedly hurt her best friend with no remorse.
Don’t even get me started about how her behavior in her professional and personal life is all due to her mother’s treatment of her as a child. Over and over again we are told that “Maman” was responsible for Camille’s issues.
I just really did not care for this one.
I’m giving it 1.5 stars, rounded up to 2, because the idea of it was clever and creative.
It just fell short in all other areas.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Camille is an art expert with a hidden gift by which she can get inside an artists creation and experience what the artist was thinking and feeling at the time they were creating. This supernatural ability gave her an advantage inherent in her field.
However, after a public blunder that put a patron in danger and shed Camille in a bad light, she is fired from her job.
After a few weeks of wallowing in self pity, she is contacted by a man from her past and invited to his family estate where she is tasked to evaluate some recently discovered sculptures, seemingly created by an artist that has been a lifelong obsession for Camille.
Once she arrives at the estate, we begin to learn that the past, as Camille imagined it, is not as it seemed.
Here, we are introduced to a very dysfunctional family.
I’m not sure where this story went off the rails for me, but it did, in a hurry.
The characters were all very hard to connect with or even like.
Camille’s thoughts were too many flowery words with such a lack of substance, adding absolutely nothing to the actual story, that I began to feel like I would never finish this book.
There was very little having to do with her special ability.
While we are told that she and the main male character had a history, this is never fleshed out.
The family members came and went with no purpose or reason, with just the suggestion of difficult emotions toward one another with no basis, reason, or background to make me care.
I felt a very strong dislike Camille by the end of this book.
She was supposed to be strong and independent, yet she let Maxime walk all over her, manipulate her, treat her poorly and she kept coming back for more.
She repeatedly hurt her best friend with no remorse.
Don’t even get me started about how her behavior in her professional and personal life is all due to her mother’s treatment of her as a child. Over and over again we are told that “Maman” was responsible for Camille’s issues.
I just really did not care for this one.
I’m giving it 1.5 stars, rounded up to 2, because the idea of it was clever and creative.
It just fell short in all other areas.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 2, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark publishing for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
2.75 ⭐️, rounded up to 3⭐️
Camille Leray has forged a way for herself into the art world, becoming an expert on artist Constance Sorel and her work. She was highly renowned until her special "gift" betrayed her, causing her to fall down the art world ladder. Camille's gift allows her to "tap" into art, experiencing the moment and emotions of the artist in the moment of their creation.
When she loses control or the gift and is fired from her coveted job, Camille is called to a powerful French estate to help the mysterious Foucault family identify hidden works of art that are believed to be Sorel's. She quickly discovers that the Foucault family, whom she has an interesting past with, has an ulterior motive. Camille and her gift become a pawn in their rich game. And, at the same time, she is forced to reckon with the truth that her beloved Constance Sorel's history may not be as she previously believed.
'The Estate' had a very unique concept that I believe will appeal to many. Unfortunately, it missed the mark for me. I was initially intrigued after reading the blurb, which states that anyone who is a fan of 'The Cartographers' by Peng Shepherd (my favorite book) would find this just as exciting. The magical realism of being able to "tap" into another medium to go into a magical world mirrors The Cartographers. However, I felt this idea was overshadowed by the odd dynamic between Camille and the Foucault family.
I wanted MORE of Camille and her art gift process, outside of her work with Maxime. A majority of the book is focused on Camille and her pull towards Maxime and his schemes. I felt myself getting annoyed with both characters about halfway through, and I began to lose interest. I felt like the problem of the story could have been solved much faster, and it was all drawn out by filler content.
2.75 ⭐️, rounded up to 3⭐️
Camille Leray has forged a way for herself into the art world, becoming an expert on artist Constance Sorel and her work. She was highly renowned until her special "gift" betrayed her, causing her to fall down the art world ladder. Camille's gift allows her to "tap" into art, experiencing the moment and emotions of the artist in the moment of their creation.
When she loses control or the gift and is fired from her coveted job, Camille is called to a powerful French estate to help the mysterious Foucault family identify hidden works of art that are believed to be Sorel's. She quickly discovers that the Foucault family, whom she has an interesting past with, has an ulterior motive. Camille and her gift become a pawn in their rich game. And, at the same time, she is forced to reckon with the truth that her beloved Constance Sorel's history may not be as she previously believed.
'The Estate' had a very unique concept that I believe will appeal to many. Unfortunately, it missed the mark for me. I was initially intrigued after reading the blurb, which states that anyone who is a fan of 'The Cartographers' by Peng Shepherd (my favorite book) would find this just as exciting. The magical realism of being able to "tap" into another medium to go into a magical world mirrors The Cartographers. However, I felt this idea was overshadowed by the odd dynamic between Camille and the Foucault family.
I wanted MORE of Camille and her art gift process, outside of her work with Maxime. A majority of the book is focused on Camille and her pull towards Maxime and his schemes. I felt myself getting annoyed with both characters about halfway through, and I began to lose interest. I felt like the problem of the story could have been solved much faster, and it was all drawn out by filler content.
January 16, 2025
I was fully enraptured from the first chapter. A woman who can enter paintings and witness what the artist was feeling and doing at the time they were creating. A near death experience at the age of seven that seems to have triggered this ability. A castle tucked in next to a pond in France. The vastness and the wonder fully intriguing the most innocent of visitors. I loved the whirling sense of wonder that Sarah Jost created in her writing. The mystery behind the story. The well-formed characters that spark your senses. Did I say castle? I love a story that is set at a castle during the present era.
Camille Leray is falling to the bottom of an endless pit. Her job that she has thrown herself into is gone. Camille is unwilling to back a piece of art that she does not believe is created by her favorite artist, Constance Sorel. She has studied every piece that she has created. Night Swimming is the one piece that is missing. She knows the one she entered is not it. It is too heavy, dark, scary, nothing like the others. She made a choice, and she must live with it. After touching bottom her dreams come true, and she receives an email from Maxime Foucault, the boy she met as a child. The man with a castle. He is inviting her to come examine some pieces he believes are Sorel's. Can she come? She climbs out of bed, puts the cake down, and heads for d'Arvor. As the days tick by things become just a bit odd, not adding up. Is this Sorel's actual work or is it the work of someone else?
This book catered to all my senses. The descriptions and details are spot on, making me become one with the sculptures. To witness the decay around the castle. In this day and age there really is no way one family can upkeep a house this size. That does not mean they do not try everything in their power to hold on. Thank you to Sarah Jost and Sourcebook Landmark for my gifted copy.
Camille Leray is falling to the bottom of an endless pit. Her job that she has thrown herself into is gone. Camille is unwilling to back a piece of art that she does not believe is created by her favorite artist, Constance Sorel. She has studied every piece that she has created. Night Swimming is the one piece that is missing. She knows the one she entered is not it. It is too heavy, dark, scary, nothing like the others. She made a choice, and she must live with it. After touching bottom her dreams come true, and she receives an email from Maxime Foucault, the boy she met as a child. The man with a castle. He is inviting her to come examine some pieces he believes are Sorel's. Can she come? She climbs out of bed, puts the cake down, and heads for d'Arvor. As the days tick by things become just a bit odd, not adding up. Is this Sorel's actual work or is it the work of someone else?
This book catered to all my senses. The descriptions and details are spot on, making me become one with the sculptures. To witness the decay around the castle. In this day and age there really is no way one family can upkeep a house this size. That does not mean they do not try everything in their power to hold on. Thank you to Sarah Jost and Sourcebook Landmark for my gifted copy.
February 21, 2025
I wish I could say this worked for me, but the plot is muddled, the characters are paper thin, and nothing in the writing supports the suspension of disbelief this one demands. Key takeaway: If life presents you a choice between a kind man with a loving family who bakes you ornate cakes and cold and an enigmatic heir with a troubled history, this isn’t a tough call.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2024
(Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for a copy of this ARC! This is my honest review.)
3.5 stars. I loved the unique concept of this book; however, it was too abstract and chaotic for me to fully grasp what was happening throughout the story. Despite this, I enjoyed the beautiful prose and imagery that was packed into Sarah’s writing. I would recommend this book if you’re an artist or if you’re searching for a plot that diverges from the typical fantasy novel.
3.5 stars. I loved the unique concept of this book; however, it was too abstract and chaotic for me to fully grasp what was happening throughout the story. Despite this, I enjoyed the beautiful prose and imagery that was packed into Sarah’s writing. I would recommend this book if you’re an artist or if you’re searching for a plot that diverges from the typical fantasy novel.
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