The Colony of Lost Souls

by Kelsey James

A young woman searching for her missing sister in 1930s California is drawn into a dark and dangerous cult in this intoxicating binge of sacrifice and obsession, strange rituals, alluring promises, and a beautiful prison for readers of Emma Cline’s The Girls, California Golden by Melanie Benjamin, and The Final Act of Juliette Willoughby by Ellery Lloyd.

Born a year apart, May and June Anderson were once as close as twins. Time and a loveless marriage changed the once vibrant May into June’s timid counterpart. Now, two years after June abruptly disappeared, May receives a letter from her sister, inviting her to visit a mysterious colony in southern California. Eager to match June’s boldness for once, May doesn’t hesitate.

The Colony is located in a magnificent Spanish Revival-style mansion perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific, and is presided over by the group’s charismatic leader, Rex. Colony members believe in an afterlife where departed souls mingle, and that the truly enlightened can even summon back the spirits of lost loved ones. May is told that June has recently left on a mission, and she’s intrigued enough to accept Rex’s invitation to stay until her sister’s return.

Drawn deeper into the group, and under Rex’s seductive spell, May undergoes their initiation ceremony. Yet her questions grow more urgent with June’s continued absence—and the warnings of a presumptuous but charming undercover investigator. May has longed for the daring, adventurous life her sister pursued, but her arrival has sparked a dangerous unraveling within the Colony, where nothing and no one is quite as it seems.

Gripping and atmospheric, The Colony of Lost Souls immerses readers in a world of secrets, deception, and unexpected redemption.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Gothic, Mystery, Fiction, Historical, Horror, Mystery Thriller

307 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 24, 2025

About the author

Kelsey James is a historical fiction author, content marketer and former travel editor. A graduate of Dartmouth College with degrees in Creative Writing and Classical Studies, she currently lives with her family outside New York City and can be found online at KelseyJamesAuthor.com.
Instagram: @kelseyjamesauthor
TikTok: @kelseywriter

Reviews

[Heather~ Nature.books.and.coffee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sisterly, fast paced historical fiction with all the Gothic vibes. I really enjoyed it! I loved the mystery, atmosphere, and suspense. Taking place in the 30’s, May and June Anderson are sisters and have always been close. June has been missing for two years, when she finally gets in touch with Meg, asking her to come visit her at a colony mansion in California, where she lives. When Meg arrives, June isn't there. She is suspicious about the colony too. Things just don't seem right, and she is determined to find out what happened to her sister and realizes this colony is more of a cult. Some of the decisions that May makes in this book have the potential to be very dangerous and had me on the edge of my seat. There's a good amount of suspense and a sense of foreboding throughout that had a fantastic pull. I couldn't wait to pick this up each time.

Thank you to the publisher and Suzy approved book tours for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.

[Amanda Skenandore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelsey James is one of my favorite new writers - a master of historical gothic. I enjoy all her books and was lucky enough to snag an early copy of this one. The 1930s California setting is so vivid you can almost feel the sea air on your skin. The story is packed with suspense, fascinating characters, and big questions about how far we’ll go for the people we love. If you love secret passageways, that spine-tingling feeling of being watched, and unraveling dark mysteries, you’ll definitely want to pick this one up.

[Kayla_Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and publishers for the digital arc in exchange for an honest review.

For fans of historical 1930s fiction with a gothic atmosphere and a touch of the supernatural, look no further than The Colony Of Lost Souls. After missing for two years, June reaches out to her younger sister May, asking her to visit. When May arrives she finds that June is not currently in residence and has been sent on a mission trip for the colony. Soon, May realizes this is a cult and finds herself trapped within the gates. As mush as she yearns to escape from the colony, she can’t leave without saving June as well.

This was my first time reading anything by the author and I have to say it was really well written. It felt like I was right there with May through her journey.

[Hester Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brimming with Gothic atmosphere and dark secrets, THE COLONY OF LOST SOULS swept me away with its glittering 1930s coastal setting and easy-to-love heroine. James masterfully weaves together threads of romance, obsession, and the occult into a suspenseful story that is perfect for fans of Sarah Penner and Simone St. James.

[Shantha (ShanthasBookEra)]

"A young woman searching for her missing sister in 1930s California is drawn into a dark and dangerous cult in this intoxicating binge of sacrifice and obsession, strange rituals, alluring promises, and a beautiful prison for readers of Emma Cline’s The Girls, California Golden by Melanie Benjamin, and The Final Act of Juliette Willoughby by Ellery Lloyd."

This gothic thriller is a propulsive page-turner for fans of the supernatural. Its atmospheric coastal setting nestled into a cliff gave the gated Spanish-style community a locked-room mystery vibe. May's search for her missing sister is full of sinister, unexpected twists and turns. It also has an old Hollywood feel with some historical fiction, romance, and spice thrown in. Themes of sisterhood, identity, belonging, and spiritual belief are prominent. This is a fun add-on to your beach bag for fans of gothic thrillers.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Kensington Books - A John Scognamiglio Book, UpLit Reads, and Kelsey James for an advance reader's copy and finished copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Krissi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing a free audio arc in exchange for an honest review.

May leaves to find her sister June, who has been missing since leaving for an artist colony in Souther California over a year ago. When May arrives, everything seems to be paradise at the colony with a beautiful mansion, a random lion, and a charming couple who run the colony. May finds herself enthralled in the colony and its purpose of helping to find once was lost for its members. However, June remains nowhere to be found. Soon after investigating around, we start to see that the Colony may not be as it seems and is holding more secrets than answers.

This book started out very interesting. The premise of a possible cult and missing person always intrigues me. However, the plot fell a little flat as the book continued, but it did end with a satisfying conclusion. The atmosphere was great, and I definitely got the dark gothic feelings that the author laid out in the setting. There were some elements throughout the book that seemed a little repetitive, like the competition felt between May and her sister and the mother trope, but overall, it was a decent read.

[♡Heather✩Brown♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

BOOK✶REVIEW
#ad much love for my finished copy @uplitreads #partner

🆃🅷🅴 🅲🅾🅻🅾🅽🆈 🅾🅵 🅻🅾🆂🆃 🆂🅾🆄🅻🆂

I don’t know what is up with the books that UpLit has me reading - but we might have to have a chat because I don’t know if my heart can take it anymore. Haha soooooooo freaking good! Another book I devoured!

Another first time of reading an author that I’ll never be able to forget. Her writing is magic. I enjoyed this one so much. I enjoyed the mystery and gothic side of this story - but the bond between May and June (those names!) was just perfect.

This was a fast-paced story but I also feel it was an atmospheric one. I loved the setting - as we were taken back to the 1930’s. This here is the reason I love historical fiction so much.

Would make a killer book club read. The story pulls you in from the start - when May receives a letter from her sister June who has totally vanished and who she hasn’t heard from in 2 years.

𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝔼𝕩𝕡𝕖𝕔𝕥:
All the Vibes
Secrets
Cult
Sisterly Bonds
Mystery
Gothic
Historical Fiction

Such a great read.

Q:| What are you reading this weekend?

A:| Don’t Open Your Eyes by @livconstance and Midnight/Breathless by @amymccullochbooks and also started The Call of Abaddon

#uplitreads #thecolonyoflostsouls #books #bookstagram #book #booklover #reading #bookworm #bookstagrammer #read #bookish #booknerd #instabook #bookaddict #bookstagrammer #bibliophile #bookshelf #readersofinstagram #booksbooksbooks #bookaholic #bookgirlbrown #reader #booklove #literature #instabooks #booklovers

[Gigi Ropp · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this one. While the characters were fascinating and the sense of foreboding was delicious throughout, the ending didn’t feel entirely satisfactory.

[Nursebookie · Rating 5 out of 5]

TITLE: THE COLONY OF LOST SOULS
AUTHOR: KELSEY JAMES
PUB DATE: 06.25.2025

In 1930s California, May Anderson searches for her missing sister June and is lured into a mysterious coastal cult promising connection with the dead. As she falls deeper under its charismatic leader’s spell, disturbing secrets surface—and May must uncover the truth before she loses herself completely.

The Colony of Lost Souls is a haunting, immersive read that blends mystery, atmosphere, and psychological suspense. Fans of cult fiction and gothic tension will be hooked by its eerie setting, compelling characters, and slow-burning unraveling of truth. A chilling, beautifully written descent into obsession and sisterly love.

[Danielle B · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this fast paced story filled with mystery and intrigue. The bond between May and June was true sisterly love. May was a strong character throughout THE COLONY OF LOST SOULS her actions kept me entertained until the very last page. Highly recommend for historical fiction fans.

This review will be shared to my Instagram @coffee.break.book.reviews in the near future.

[Lianna Sinclair · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to explore this Advanced Listener’s Copy in exchange for my honest review.

I just finished this ALC and wow. This book was a masterpiece of pain and beauty. The journeys of May and June were inspiring and devastating to the point where there were moments I had to put the book down and collect myself. I loved the dual perspectives; watching May and June get to their respective destinations and HOW everything was revealed? 🤌🏼

What a listen. I will for sure be buying a physical copy.

A Colony of Lost Souls was released yesterday, June 24th. Everyone go check it out!

[Jonah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometimes all a girl needs to find herself is to hook up with a cult leader, who then kills your husband, and leads to you finding love and purpose in the cop who saves you and your sisters child.

[Janereads10 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was left contemplating miracles long after turning the final page—not just their possibility, but the desperate human need to believe in them. Set against Depression-era California's sun-drenched backdrop, this gothic historical fiction explored how desperation can transform faith into something dangerous.

The sister relationship formed the novel's beating heart. May, the "spare" who chose stability, and June, the family favorite whose free spirit captivated everyone around her, saw each other through lenses of admiration rather than jealousy. Their dynamic felt refreshingly nuanced—June consistently acknowledged May's intelligence while May envied her sister's confidence. This complex foundation made May's journey to find her missing sister all the more compelling.

What awaited beyond those tall iron gates intoxicated me as much as it did May. James created an atmosphere thick with foreboding through meticulous details—beach huts constraining residents within uniformity, the mansion looming atop the cliff symbolizing unattainable salvation, prescribed clothing erasing individuality. The setting became a physical manifestation of the cult's psychological grip.

The patriarchal structures felt historically authentic yet chillingly relevant. Men like May's husband and Rex, the cult leader, viewed women as tools rather than humans. May's transformation from dutiful wife to someone questioning miracles reflected the nascent stirrings of female agency against overwhelming societal pressure. I tensed with each step of her awakening.

Most impressive was how James made May's choices understandable despite their growing danger. The psychological pull of belonging, of finally being seen, created a spiral that was difficult to escape. I found myself simultaneously urging May to flee and comprehending why she couldn't.

This dark exploration of blind faith and sisterhood kept me riveted—a blend of historical detail with psychological suspense that questioned what miracles truly cost.

Thank you, Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for my E-ARC for review. Opinions are my own.

[Stella · Rating 3 out of 5]

May settled. She married Fred who runs her father's grocery business in Sacramento. She's always been the 'spare'...her sister June was always prettier, smarter, more vibrant. After receiving a letter from June, who had been missing for over a year, May leaves Fred behind to meet her sister at an artist colony in Southern California.

May arrives and is instantly in awe of the wealth of the colony. The mansion is full of luxury and beautiful things, including a pet lion. Rex and Ruth are the married couple who run the colony/cult. June, however, is nowhere to be found. May is instantly drawn into the folds of the community. They promise to provide what was once lost. In May's case, it was her daughter who died soon after birth.

May is sent on a small mission, which later leads to an angry husband of another colony member showing up, drunk and screaming. Soon after, that man is dead. And so is May's husband.

May continues to wait for June and digs around the colony's inner workings, finding dark secrets and parlor tricks. The longer she stays, the more she wants to leave. But May will not leave without June, no matter what.

Kelsey James did an excellent job of creating the seaside atmosphere and of May's inner thoughts and desires. May wanted to be taken seriously. She wanted to turn her ideas for the grocery store into reality but settled for what was acceptable at the time. It's a good characterization of women during the 1930s.

I did find some things odd about the story - the 1930s are famously known as The Great Depression and Prohibition. So the gas usage of the cars stood out. (Maybe I think too much?) Also, a LION?? What does this lion eat? Where does it sleep? WHERE DOES IT GO TO THE BATHROOM????

Still, the overall story was great and the end was satisfying. May really came into her own and found the happiness she desperately needed.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Jennifer Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This new release is a haunting and atmospheric psychological thriller set in 1930s California. Centered on May Anderson's quest to find her missing sister June, the novel draws readers into a dark, seductive world of cults, mysterious rituals (with a hint of supernatural), and forbidden promises.

James has created a stunningly gothic setting, placing the secluded colony in a stunning Spanish Revival mansion along the Pacific coast. The mansion exudes an ominous allure, presided over by the charismatic and enigmatic Rex. The descriptive writing had me feeling all the sensations May experienced which exploring the mansion.

May's experience from early fascination to a gradual awakening of the dangerous undercurrents of the colony were realistic. Tension mounts through May's mounting questions as she seeks answers about her sister while working with a charming undercover investigator.

James expertly constructs an intoxicating world where nothing is quite what it seems, culminating in revelations that challenge perceptions of loyalty and redemption. Perfect for readers who enjoy atmospheric storytelling filled with secrets, complex characters, and a compelling sense of dread and hope alike.

[Susan J. Barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an ‘OK’ read. I might feel differently about it if I’d read the ebook or a hard copy, as the narration didn’t really work for me. It was a little too breathy and high-pitched, especially at the start.
May is a naive, frustrated, prohibition-era housewife with a husband who keeps her downtrodden.
She receives a letter from her glamorous older sister, June, which gives her a way out of her marriage in the form of an invitation to join her at ‘the colony’. May jumps at the chance, only to find that her sister is absent when she arrives, but is persuaded by the charismatic colony leader to stay while they await June’s return.
May gets sucked into the spell created by the leader and his disciples. However, when its effects begin to wear off, she discovers too late, that she’s already in too deep.
The plot is solid and trots along at a good pace. May’s character develops nicely throughout the story.
If you like a bit of light historical fiction, a reincarnation cult with a charismatic but unhinged leader and a side of kaftans with your thrillers, then you’ll probably enjoy this.
It kept me entertained and so I’m giving it a solid four stars, with thanks to NetGalley and HighBridgeAudio for the chance to listen to an ARC. Kelsey James’ The Colony of Lost Souls is out now.

[dianas_books_cars_coffee · Rating 4 out of 5]

May and June Anderson, born a year apart, shared a very close sisterly bond, until life presented its challenges. May has not been in contact with June for two years, ever since her sudden disappearance. One day, May receives a letter from June, inviting her to visit a mysterious colony on the southern California coast. Without hesitation, May accepts. She's unhappily married and doesn't have any children holding her back. Upon her arrival, she's informed that June has departed on a mission, but she is welcome to remain until June's return. The people of the colony believe in the afterlife where departed souls can mingle and that the truly enlightened can bring back the spirits of lost loved ones. May is quickly seduced by the colony's leader, Rex and goes through the initiation ceremony. Soon she realizes she's trapped in a deranged cult and when June doesn't come back she starts to question if June will ever return. Where is June? Will May be able to find her? What's really going on in the colony and will May ever be able to get out?

Set on the California coast in the 1930s, this book was captivating and atmospheric. It was a compelling read that thoroughly engaged my interest. The suspense kept me turning pages, eager to discover the truth. I was completely invested in finding out what happened to June and whether May could escape the cult without harm. The story held many dark secrets, and the supernatural element was quite haunting. There was a bit of romance, and the bond between sisters played a significant role. I really enjoyed this book and would certainly recommend it.🩷

[Jennifer S. Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t know I liked gothic fiction until I read this book. What drew me to it was the 1930s-era cult. I love a good cult story.

After missing for two years, June finally sends her sister, May, a letter. She’s been living at the Kinima Theosophical Society in Southern California. May heads down immediately and is taken with the society’s leader, Rex. Jane, however, is traveling, so May must wait.

Oh, the gambits and deceptions in this novel, as May discovers tries to discover where her sister really is. Rex teaches that enlightened people can bring back the souls of the dead through the Ocean of Light. May, who has been unable to have children, is willing to believe, and she lets herself be drawn in. Of course, when have things turned out well for a cult? May comes to her senses and that's when things get really going. The supernatural elements aren’t at all overwhelming and were quite convincing. I read this book in three sittings. The characters were compelling and the ending satisfying. Unexpectedly fun!

[Savvyyreads ❤️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive the audiobook version of this title through NetGalley, and I have to say—the narration was a highlight. The narrator had a clear, pleasant tone, and I appreciated how she shifted her voice to match different characters, adding depth and personality to the story.

The plot was engaging enough to keep me listening, and I really enjoyed the ending—it tied up many of the conflicts in a satisfying way. One of the strongest aspects of the book was the bond between May and her sister, June. Their relationship felt so authentic, I wouldn’t be surprised if the author has a sister of her own. It was definitely a standout part of the story for me.

That said, the reason I’m giving this one three stars comes down to the FMC. She often came across as whiny and repetitive, and at times her behavior felt more like a teenager’s than that of a grown woman. Her reactions to conflict really pulled me out of the story at points.

This was my first read by this author. While I’m not in a rush to pick up another one of her books, I wouldn’t rule it out entirely—especially if the premise caught my interest.

[BookWormBecky · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.3

Gilded cage, soul journey, rules…

*Thank you to Uplit Reads for including me in this tour!

Setting: 1930s CA
What:

May hasn’t heard from her sister/best friend June for 2 years now.

When she suddenly gets a letter in the mail from June, May takes off alone from Sacramento to Newport, CA. She arrives at the Kinima Theosophical Society house, which looks like a combo of a Spanish mission / Moorish palace.

May is told that June is away on a mission & invited to “stay” until she returns.

Obsession, rituals, beliefs, promises…. Soon a feeling “of unease, dread, and the unknown” will be created through “setting and mood.”


THOUGHTS:

*First time reader of this author.

* Twisty & creepy!

*Historical suspense novel. It’s been described as a Gothic Mystery. Isolated setting, psychological terror, and mystery are all used to heighten the sense of fear (both real & imagined).

*CHARACTERS:

Rex - obnoxious
May - naive / but stronger than she thinks
June - a diva / uses those looks
Vito - work ethic
Matilda - scary!

*Fast paced! A quick read!

[Karen B · Rating 4 out of 5]

A historical fiction unlike I have read before, this gripping story of the need for a fresh beginning was haunting yet intoxicating. Set in the 1930s, May leaves her marriage to find her missing sister, June, by traveling to the last location she mentioned in a correspondence. The setting truly is breathtaking, the villain one to despise, and the allusion to a cult, adultery, prohibition, and lust all powerful assistants to the plot. Along with the added underlying mystery and secrets—all are woven together in a captivating story.
Thanks to the author, Uplit Reads and Kensington Publishing for the eARC and gifted copies.

[Nicole Lineberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Set in the late 1920's to early 1930's, May goes to an artist colony in search of her sister June, who has been missing for two years. May is taken in by the colony members, who perform miracles. The scenic setting of a mansion on top of a bluff leading down to the Pacific Ocean, complete with cottages where colony members reside had me visually following along as I read. May has always looked up to June, and has always felt that she was the spare child, June being the oldest and favorite of her parents and those in their lives. May comes to learn more of herself and learns to appreciate her own strengths and talents. There is love, deceit, questionable disappearances, magic, spirits, and mystery set around the cult. As May continues to search for her sister, who is traveling on a mission, May begins to question the legitimacy of the claims by members. I was up late reading this book. Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington Publishing Group for allowing me to read an ARC copy!

[Finola Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Colony of Lost Souls, Kelsey James has given us a delicious gothic with an unusual and memorable setting. The relationship and personalities of two sisters - May and June - are central to this story of a West Coast cult in the 1930s. There’s sex, intrigue, and even a pet lion named Matilda - what’s not to love?!

[Kyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good book, I could hardly put it down! I think this was my favorite read of the year so far. The best part about this book is that there was no fluff. The story was enticing from the first page to the last. Highly recommend this one!

[Christine Timmo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! What a unique read. It was an interesting story in a captivating setting, and very well written.

(Thanks goodreads for the giveaway)

[Wolfe · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was fine. Not as gothic and atmospheric as I would’ve liked.

[Lydia W · Rating 4 out of 5]

This turned out better than I thought it would.

[Kasey C · Rating 2 out of 5]

The audiobook narrator for this is incredibly irritating and the main character of the book remains insufferable throughout.

[Janall · Rating 2 out of 5]

How many times do you you need to roll your eyes at an apparently stupid main character before a book was a “ do not finish? I dont know but I only made it to the 20% when I gave up on this book. The main characters May is a young woman in the 1930s who married for security to her father’s business partner- a man her father’s age. She finds her self trapped in a loveless marriage and dearly missing dear sister June, and grieving the loss of a still born daughter. . It would seem that June was also in a bad marriage a couple years ago, when her husband met with a suspicious end. She high tailed it put of town and has been missing for two years. One morning May gets cryptic letter from her sister, inviting her to come to a “ art colony” on the Southern California coast. May sees this as her chance at freedom, and takes off.
However when she arrived at the renaissance revival mansion, June is away on “business”, but she is welcomed in as a guest. Everyone there is creepy, with the head of this cult Rex especially creepy- the definition of a “charismatic “ leader. She meets his wife who is she descbes in great detail as old and ugly. They give her refreshments that make her woozy, and lose track of timebut she keeps pounding them down, not even a tiny bit suspicious. She is too busy gushing about the opulent decor, and a gorgeous room - all her own- wtf???
At this point i was like ..ok- its 1930- she has never heard of a cult. Soon incredibly handsome and charming Rex soon has May captivated and talks about reincarnation. It seems that he has powers to give her back the child she lost. When he lures her to his bedroom ( he is married to an old woman that May describes as ugly) gets her drunk. He begins to undress her, and she justifies it to herself because he is so handsome and she is desperate for his touch. After they do the deed, she finds his wife had been watching. The whole thing giving me the icks. I just couldn’t go on any further, Sorry this was a DNF for me. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read it, just not my cup of tea. I prefer strong and smart female characters.

[Jeannine · Rating 4 out of 5]

What could make a total whimp read thrillers? Kelsey James. The Colony of Souls is another incredible thriller from an author who has become a “must read” because of her atmospheric style and captivating g settings. Get ready for another page-turner!

May leaves the unhappy home she has with her husband in Sacramento and drives to Southern California in search of her sister June. June has been at a cult commune and May decides to stay there until her sister returns from a trip on the group’s business. She quickly sours on the community and teams up with a government agent to take the cult down.

There are parts where the reader wonders if something supernatural is happening right along with May. The first person narrative helps make what May experiences even more disturbing as she discovers unusual practices and signs of violence. Vito, the agent, is a mysterious character at first, but he becomes a supportive partner for May.

While there is a soft landing for May and Vito, few characters have a settled ending, but this is to be expected from this genre! There were some uncomfortable moments (again, I’m not a regular reader of thrillers), but I found myself itching to get back to reading this every time I put it down. Kelsey James does it again!

The publisher provided advanced access. The opinions in this review are my own.