The Seer

by Raquel Y. Levitt

"A passionate, heartwarming novel that effortlessly imbues its historical setting with elements of magical realism...An engrossing, touching novel, perfect for lovers of women's fiction." --Kirkus Reviews

In 1890s Missouri, secrets are a matter of survival.

Clairvoyant Sarah Richardson screams as her older sister Katherine is forced into a straitjacket and thrust into a carriage bound for the St. Louis City Lunatic Asylum. She is devastated to learn Katherine has been blamed for her inadvertent role in an abused woman’s murder. Now, too frightened to speak up, she hides the truth that it should have been her in that carriage.

Sarah’s mounting guilt becomes too much, and she heads to St. Louis, determined to regain her sister’s confidence and prove herself worthy of forgiveness.

While working to heal their relationship, Sarah meets a timid housewife who tries to hide her bruises. When troubling psychic visions of the woman begin to affect her, she sees an opportunity to atone for her past mistakes. Desperate to do whatever it takes to make things right, Sarah embarks on a perilous journey that may cost her everything—including her own life.

Trigger This book contains topics of domestic violence, sexual abuse, and death.

Genres: Paranormal, Historical, Paranormal Romance

340 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 11, 2025

About the author

Raquel Y. Levitt is a writer of historical fiction with a touch of the paranormal. Her debut novel, The Seer, has received multiple accolades and awards, including Fiction Book of the Year in the 2025 Literary Global Book Awards. Her short stories have been published in literary journals and anthologies, including the multi-award-winning Feisty Deeds: Historical Fictions of Daring Women. Besides being a writer, Raquel is an avid reader, book hoarder, world traveler, amateur nature photographer, birder, and collector of cool rocks.

Reviews

[Christi Leaverton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gave The Seer four ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. Thank you Acorn Publishing, Raquel Y Levitt and Book Sirens for the ARC. These are my honest opinions.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The characters were well written and I was invested in the main character, Sarah, as well as the secondary characters. The personalities and mannerisms were consistent with the late 1800s.

The storyline kept my attention and I was able to get lost in the book. I was glad to see that the clairvoyance was not sensationalized or made too unbelievable.

The author did a great job of researching St Louis in this time period and bringing out a character based on an historical person.

Great debut novel!

[Leah DeCesare · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's so much to love about THE SEER. The voice is strong, distinctive and often laced with humor. The story is propulsive and unique, historic and still deeply relevant. You'll root for and feel compassion for Katherine and the characters, and it's likely you'll learn a little something too. Set against the backdrop of the late 1800s, this is a touching, poignant story about trusting oneself, right and wrong, and standing up for others. It's about sisters and friendship, women's right to vote, intuition, and discovering how to value our own gifts. FIVE BRIGHT STARS!

[Wall-to-wall books - wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

MY THOUGHTS -

Taking place in the 1890s. Two very gifted girls come from a long line of women with clairvoyance in their family. They lived with their gifted grandmother and a father who just wants everything to be "normal". But how can you live a “normal” life when all you are seeing in your mind and dreams is murder and cheating and hurtful things. You have to speak out don’t you? You have to do something about it if that’s what you are seeing. If you know the truth how can you stay silent knowing you could have helped? The downside is… Because it is only your say, no one believes you. And worse yet, they think you are crazy.

Oh my goodness, the last half of this book gets very intense. I was not expecting that! Because of the excellent character development I got very close to Sarah, as well as the other women.

This felt very authentic to me. Right in the midst of the Women's Rights movement as women were daring to wear pants and marching for their rights. I found this part to be especially interesting. Especially now with what is happening in our country!

I enjoyed this book very much. I always love reading a historical fiction book but especially when it includes paranormal elements as this one did. It was very well done! This being Raquel Y Levitt's debut novel, I can't wait to see what else she brings to us in the future. This is an author I will be watching for.


Thanks RABT Book Tours for the e-book and chance to give my honest review.

[Becky BEHRENS · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful look into the past

A beautiful story, even though some of it is disturbing. We get a look inside the way women were viewed and treated in the late 1800s. Their lives were challenging; this story speaks out for the many women who bore domestic abuse in silence, as well as the many brave women who worked to break those chains.

[Lori Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG you have to read this book

This book was suggested to me by a friend. She didn't tell me anything about it, just said I'd love it. She was so right. It was very hard to put down. It grabs you right on the first page and keeps a hold until the end.

[Lori Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moving book about the bond of sisters

I enjoyed this story of sisterhood. Be it familial or friendship. Sarah and Katherine went thru many trials in their lives. But their love for one another is what made the story multilayered.

[Annette Summerfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very moving and heartfelt story.
I couldn't read everything while the court case was going on. It bothers me too much. The lies bother me. I can't handle living through the harshness of the court room and the lies.

[Gaye Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put it down

I only put the book down because I fell asleep. I was exhausted from a trip but was wanting to continue to find out Norma’s fate. And then Sarah’s fate. Very well written.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very, well written book. One of the best I have read so far. Its simply outstanding.
It takes place in the late 1890, to 1905, involves alot about women back then, romance, violence and clairvoyance.
It is well worth reading for women, men too and readers who enjoy mystery, intrigued, etc.
This book will stay with me for a long time.
I highly recommend reading it

[Mary Yarde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah Richardson and her sister Katherine grew up knowing they were never to speak of their gifts — of what made them different from others. Their insight into people’s feelings was enough to make others scorn their family, but if it were ever revealed that they could not only see people’s auras but were also clairvoyant, they would become targets.

As the girls grow, so too do their powers, and when connections become overwhelming and visions of abuse can no longer be ignored, it becomes a matter of getting involved — even against the direct wishes of their father and grandmother. Although their intentions are good, watching Katherine carted away to the St Louis City Lunatic Asylum in a straitjacket gives Sarah the insight her father tried to instil in her: the world does not take kindly to people poking their noses into others’ business.

I found myself instantly drawn into The Seer by Raquel Y. Levitt, the characters immediately compelling and the intricacies of their powers fascinating. To read how those around you feel, what their intentions are, and whether they are good people appears on the surface to be useful — but it follows Sarah like a curse. To see and feel the good in people is one thing, but to sense the evil is another entirely. Getting involved for the sake of others’ safety seems the only logical choice, yet when her grandmother — who has lived her life with the same powers — so desperately advises against it, and after witnessing her sister torn away, Sarah has reason to hesitate.

The guilt that tears at her, keeping to herself truths that would prove her sister innocent despite knowing that no one would believe her regardless, is penned with remarkable clarity. I truly felt Sarah’s plight while reading. She is kind-hearted, eager to prove herself and help others, but fear grips her heart. How can she put her powers to good use when they have only ever landed others in trouble?

Sarah truly comes into her own when she leaves her family home and journeys to St Louis in an attempt to reconcile with her sister. The world is at a turning point, with the suffragette movement beginning to make itself known, yet real change remains elusive. Sarah finds herself in the company of highly regarded society and fumbles her way forward, attempting to fit in despite her upbringing placing her firmly below those around her.

The differences in society highlighted in this novel are stark, and the contrast between Sarah and her fellow boarder, Laura, at Digby’s Boarding House for Women only intensifies this. The way the two young women are treated, and the regard in which they are held within the house, differs greatly. This divide in class and opinion is further amplified by the introduction of Rebecca. Rebecca runs Larsen’s Market, a shop that offers Sarah employment when she finds herself rapidly running low on funds. At Larsen’s Market, Sarah is easily accepted: her friendship is valued, and her time and efforts appreciated. Unlike the residents of Digby’s Boarding House, who look down their noses at her and believe a woman should not be working, the people Sarah meets at the market are welcoming and make her feel at ease.

As Sarah becomes acquainted with St Louis, she begins to recognise the people she encounters. Surrounded daily by the auras of others, it does not take her long to pinpoint the darkness surrounding Nathaniel Malone, nor to notice the timid nature of his wife, Norma. Harkening back to an earlier point in her life — to her sister’s claims of abuse within the home of a local couple, and her subsequent confinement in the asylum — Sarah is torn. Getting involved may prove dangerous, but could she truly stand by knowing that Norma was not safe in her own home?

The narrative is written with such care and draws the reader in so deeply that it is impossible not to feel the pain and sorrow radiating from the dark, clouded auras Sarah perceives. It is easy to sympathise with her: she has seen first-hand the consequences of involving herself in others’ affairs, and despite her understandable hesitation — and the strong moral pull urging her to help — I never once felt she was a coward for her reluctance.

Amid the emotional turmoil experienced both by Sarah, as she attempts to determine her place in the world, and by the reader, drawn into the intricate lives of those around her, there is a glimmer of light — a gentle tinge of pink surrounding matters of the heart. Joy and safety are felt in the presence of the one who captures her affection, and yet Sarah remains torn. The man who has stolen her attention, and to whom she finds herself inexorably drawn, belongs to someone else.

Sarah’s relationships — with friends, acquaintances, and those whose company she does not particularly enjoy — are intricate, forming a web of secrets as she conceals different parts of herself from different people, revealing them only to a select few. Sarah is a character I found impossible not to like. She strives to do right by everyone she meets, even when it does not bode well for herself. She longs to be true to who she is, yet is desperately afraid to do so for fear of rejection. My heart went out to her at every turn.

The Seer by Raquel Y. Levitt is a novel that does not merely capture the reader’s attention, but holds it rapt from the first page to the final sentence. I found it almost impossible to put down, even momentarily. With its utterly entrancing prose and enchanting characters, it keeps you captive until the very end. This is a truly wonderful novel, and one that is certain to remain close to my heart for a long time to come.

Review by Ellie Yarde
The Coffee Pot Book Club

[louisa dyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

surprisingly good! I wasn't too sure at first but soon i couldn't put it down. Usually avoid anything romancy & didn't care for those parts of the book, and wouldn't have started if it had been obvious from the beginning. Will look for other books by this author in hopes they don't have that romance element.

[Mary Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story! Two sisters are challenged with their psychic abilities. The choices they make take them on a journey of self-discovery and redemption. An excellent read! Bravo to Raquel Leavitt! I’ll be looking for your next novel!

[READER VIEWS · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Seer by Raquel Y. Levitt is a phenomenal historical fiction book set in the late 19th century, following a young woman from a family of seers. Sarah Richardson is the youngest seer in her family, following her older sister and her grandmother. She, the weakest in her family, is only able to see the colors surrounding people, whereas her sister and grandmother receive visions of other people’s lives. As you can imagine from the time period, this does not bode well for the family in general.

People despise what is different, what cannot be explained, and the family falls on hard times more than once due to these powers. These incidents culminate in Sarah’s sister, Katherine, being sent to an insane asylum in St. Louis for trying (and failing) to prevent the murder of an abused woman. And what’s worse… Sarah’s own actions may have caused the murder.

Years later, Sarah wishes to reconcile with her sister after the death of her grandmother and sets off for the big city. There, she falls in with a crowd she is not at all accustomed to — the city’s up-and-coming elite. She splits her life between the attempted society girl and her poor, hardworking self. Luxury is sweet, and marrying rich could be just what she needs… If only she didn’t need to hide her supposed lunatic sister and lack of pedigree, or the fact that she can judge people by the colors surrounding them. And there is one woman in particular, a timid housewife, whose colors show that not all is as it seems.

This is a story about a girl growing up and learning what path she wants to take and who she wants to be. In life, to find out who you are, you must learn what’s important to you. In a time of trouble, her grandmother’s words come to her, along with the smell of her rosewater perfume: Rescue the weak and the needy. The only question is, how much is Sarah willing to pay to do the right thing? And who is she willing to trust?

The Seer was profound and touching. The historical aspects felt realistic, and perhaps even more importantly, all of the characters in the story felt real. I found myself caring for them, hoping for them, cheering at their victories, and suffering alongside their losses. People in this book are complicated and messy, and being able to see the color of one’s personality and emotions doesn’t change that. This book is full of heart, in every way that matters. It gripped me so tight from beginning to end that I finished the entire book in a single day.

If you enjoy historical fiction, magical realism, resilient women, complicated family dynamics, the unintended danger of good intentions, and the complexities of the human heart, you will enjoy this book. Raquel Y. Levitt’s The Seer is startlingly relatable and has a lot to say about power: those who have it, those who use it, and those just discovering it within themselves.

[Sora · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC Copy

A Family of Clairvoyant sounds like an Incredible Family right? Turns out the only one who inherited the powers happens to be the Women of Richerdsons. Knowing women have less recognition in society, how can the Richerdsons be safe if people would know about their gifted power? Obviously they knew people would see them as the devil worshiper, a witch and everything else that is not pleasant. However Grandma Rose always taught Katherine and Sarah to never be ashamed of their power and help the one in need. Though it was not as easy, especially the conflicted opinion between Grandma and Sarah’s daddy. And because of the gift, their family was torn apart. Sarah set on patching her mistake and the first step is to reconcile with her sister? Or is it? Soon she realizes reconciliation is not the only answer to make up for her past. She has to be braver than ever in a society who is not too kind to the lady.

The plot was nice as a whole, everything wrapped up nicely. Although as a modern woman we might see another approach that can help them go through their ordeal. Although their action is understandable due to the setting the story took place. One thing for sure, if things turned out in a wrong way, Justin would be Sarah’s biggest mistake. And I feel the need for justice for our poor Laura. She deserves better and I hope in an unwritten epilogue, Laura would find her happy ending and make amends for the friendship with Sarah.

[Joan Fernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine being born with the natural ability to see the particular hue of color each individual emanates like the radiation of an aura. Imagine, too, that you are a young girl who becomes acutely aware that people can hide their evil intentions behind a fake exterior as you learn to discern which colors indicate honesty, and which ones reveal deceit. As you get older, your ability to read people compounds into a bodily experience of literally feeling what another is feeling when in danger. Here is the rich inventive premise Raquel Levitt has created in her absorbing novel, The Seer. This intriguing historical novel skillfully intertwines a lot: observations about class, women’s rights and relationships, the consequences of betrayal, the accountability for taking action when another person’s welfare is at stake, a lovely love-at-first-sight and more. What I loved the best: Levitt’s smooth and seamless writing delivers a powerful theme to trust your intuition.

[N.J. Mastro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was completely enamored with the voice of Sarah Richardson in The Seer. In the early chapters especially, she is young, observant, and candid about what she sees and hears, even when it gets her in trouble. When her honesty and forthrightness go too far, her sister, Katherine, ends up in an asylum. Sarah carries her guilt for years. Thus begins her journey to heal their relationship while trying to figure out who she wants to be in the world.

Set in Jefferson City and later in St. Louis, this is a coming of age story that engaged and held me in its grip from page one. The complexities of sister relationships feature strongly in the story, as does the ability to "see" people's colors. I didn't even know there was such a thing until I read this novel. So interesting!

This novel is very well done and has strong characters that leap off the page and hold you until the end. Five stars, for sure!

[P.M. Raymond · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful historical mystery set in 1890s Missouri. When Sarah Richardson and her sister Katherine act on their clairvoyant abilities, Katherine ends up in an asylum while Sarah tries to make amends for her part in Katherine’s plight. To do this, Sarah moves to St. Louis and becomes embroiled in her own precarious events.

Raquel Y. Levitt’s attention to detail allowed me to read THE SEER without being taken out of the story. THE SEER has a distinct sense of the time the book takes place and seems to be accurate in the setting and the behaviors of the characters. The sisters’ quests (there were a few) were wonderful to follow and the love story subplots really added to the story.

If you like historical fiction, this is for you. If you like paranormal fiction, pick this book up. Need a sweet love story? This is your read, too! THE SEER balances these genres so well and I thought it was a delight to read

[Marney McNall · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Seer is a beautiful, riveting story of a young woman who grapples with the clairvoyant abilities passed down to her and her beloved sister. Her grandmother called it a gift, but Sarah sees only that it led to her sister being taken from her.

Raquel Y. Levitt transports us effortlessly back to 1890s Missouri, during the women’s suffrage movement, to walk alongside Sarah as she finds the courage to stand up for those whom she has been given visions to help. By this time, she knows full-well what it could cost her. Levitt’s characters leap off the page with their depth and voice, and her easy-flowing prose keeps us turning the pages. I wasn’t ready to leave this world. The Seer deserves a special place on our library shelves.

[Aurora · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and the relationship between the two sisters. I honestly think I would have found the book more interesting if it were from Katherine's POV instead of Sarah's, but Sarah's story is also interesting. The novel does a good job of illustrating Sarah's attempt to fit into upper-class society and the tension between that and following her heart and what her sister needs from her.

I unfortunately did find Sarah rather difficult to sympathize with, and that made the book somewhat difficult to get through. She becomes more sympathetic by the end of the book, but it honestly feels like she keeps on making the same mistakes and I really couldn't get behind some of her choices.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Stephanie Denman · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Seer" by Raquel Y. Levitt is a gripping novel that follows Sarah, a clairvoyant woman in late 1800s Missouri, as she navigates the hardships and judgment that come with her gift. The story is a true page-turner, filled with resilience, adversity, and the strength of women in a multi-generational home fighting for equality. Amidst the challenges, an unexpected romance blossoms, adding depth and warmth to the narrative. While the book is beautifully written and deeply engaging, it does contain sensitive themes, including sexual assault and murder, making it a powerful but intense read for historical fiction fans who enjoy strong female leads and a touch of the supernatural.

[Jann Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raquel Y. Levitt's engrossing story of Missouri sisters with a unique clairvoyant sense, The Seer, is spellbinding. Not only do we follow the sisters’ travails while they grapple with preventing marital abuse and righting men’s wrongs, but we uncover secrets in their family history — which quickly makes this a page-turning read. Simultaneously, we're exposed to characters in the daring women’s movements of the later 1800s that presage suffrage. All this, woven into more than a few love stories, and written in a captivating voice, had me hooked in the first pages. The Seer is a truly original story told with daring and verve.

[Liora Ellington · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE SEER by Raquel Y. Levitt is a beautiful written and deeply moving historical novel with a touch of magical realism that lingers long after the final page. Set in 1890s Missouri, it paints a vivid portrait of resilience, guilt, and the fierce bonds of sisterhood. Sarah Richardson's journey is both heartbreaking and inspiring as she struggle with her past, her gift of clairvoyance, and her determination to make things right. Levitt prose is lyrical, and her character feel achingly real putting you into their struggle and triumphs. This is a story of courage, redemption, and hope that will resonate strongly with fans of women's fiction.

[julie young · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this story of clairvoyant sisters living in 1890 America gripping from start to finish. After the younger sister, Sarah, causes a terrible tragedy through her actions in trying to help someone, she sees her older sister blamed for it and carted off in a straitjacket to an asylum. Dealing with the hardships faced by women in all positions in society, the horror of hearing/seeing someone in total despair that no-one else can and the resulting traumatic events, brilliantly written and an exceptional read. I loved it.

[Char Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story of the way people with psychic gifts were treated in the past they were called the devils spawn or witches who were burnt at the stack in Salam.As you read this story you will want to slap some of the people involved Telling the truth about people who acted like they were better than others and were up to no good yet when one of the psychic sisters said something they were treated like they were evil and that they were witches.It makes you understand why even today while some psychics keep their gifts hidden.I can hardly wait to see what's next by this multi talented author.

[C. Gonzales · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Seer provides a window into the complexities of human interaction and emotion, familial tensions, and so much more.

Sarah's guilt is at the forefront and she has even more driving her to help the woman in her visions. She needs a win and becomes a bit reckless in her crusade.

Raquel Y. Levitt brings interest to Sarah’s character through her internal battle and the threats she must navigate provide nail-biting tension.

[Gina Stamper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fascinating read. The main character is so easy to love. She's compassionate and determined.

Throughout the story, she makes some questionable choices when it comes to her safety, but all done with good intentions.

It's great that Raquel Y. Levitt has so cleverly painted the people, the time, the events.

An adventure that with a clear and easy-to-read layout is beyond just those things a captivating read.

[Kamini Mehta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a hard review to write. it's a terrible and beautiful story of a family that is seemingly cursed with special abilities. The story is told simply and yet it hit me even harder, with Sarah's early loss of innocence and her struggle to make a life for herself.

[Samantha Turley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hauntingly beautiful read that will captivate audiences from the get go.

There were so many themes that just are really touching as you get to know the characters.

With a mystery that will really keep you on your toes, it made for a read that was so easy to get lost in.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her sister is taken away when it should have been her. She wants to regain her sister back but it will not be easy for either of them. A very powerful read
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a interesting book

[Rebecca Von Damm]

This book has a lot of insight. I loved the character arc

The court case was also very believable

I like that we don't know what the color of the mists mean and that it's gradually revealed throughout the story

p.s. It's been said probably a million times, but the cover is just beautiful.