DuMort

by Michelle Tang

Mrs. Mina Braithwaite has never quite fit into Mydalla’s polite society. Her features are so different from the other noblewomen, more like the city’s foreign workers, and she chafes at all the rules. Then there’s the furious entity that has followed her for years, crawling from shadows to hurt her and staining every memory with fear. Desperate for help, Mina crashes a private gathering to see the infamous occultist Alexandre DuMort in action. She doesn't expect the pull of attraction towards the man, nor his invitation to join him in his work.

But DuMort has enemies, dangerous ones, and they dog his steps as closely as Mina's entity does hers. Mina must choose between her old life, and the angry spirit that stalks her, or follow the famed occultist down a new path, where even worse things might haunt her.

Like the truth.

Genres: Horror, Fantasy, Gothic, Gothic Horror, Fiction, Magic, Novella

120 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 22, 2025

Reviews

[Christopher O'Halloran · Rating 5 out of 5]

In DuMort, Tang uses language like a needle, stitching together patches of loneliness and longing until you're left draped in an ever-shifting quilt of tragedy. Our return to Mydalla is as thrilling as our first glimpse of the suffocating society. There's intrigue. Class warfare. Love lost—or worse, transmutated into something toxic, something cancerous. If all this wasn't striking enough, the final image of DuMort is one that'll stay with me for years to come.

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this as a fantasy horror novel, it had that concept that I wanted and enjoyed from the description. I thought the occultist worked well and was used in a way that was different in the storyline. The characters were everything that I was expecting and enjoyed about the genre. Michelle Tang was able to create a interesting storyline and that the characters were used perfectly to tell the story. I enjoyed the use of the supernatural and was glad I was able to read this.

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

[Brett Mitchell Kent · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had trouble putting this one down- so luckily it is a quick read! I specifically enjoyed the weird little reality that Tang crafted, the dirty Victorian setting and glitzy shadow parties were so fully realized that they felt like characters in their own right. I wasn’t able to predict where the story was going to take me at any point- mostly because it was all so unique I had no points to reference for my guesses.

I really enjoyed this a lot. I’d absolutely recommend.

[Natalie HH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gah! This was gobsmackingly gorgeous!!!

[Isabelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s hard to get attached to characters quickly when you’re thrown right into their conflict rather than get to know them a bit before the drama first. This novella did start its drama quite intriguingly though so I was happy to see where it would lead.

In the limited time a novella has, world building needs to be very precise too and this DuMort did really well right from the start. With just a few words here and there, I immediately got a feel for the kind of environment this story was set in, both physically and as a society. This was really well done throughout the whole story.

Where it struggled a bit, in my opinion, was the emotional development. The fear and anxiety I could feel through the pages, but the infatuation the MC had for one character and the grief she felt for her relationship with another wasn’t as well portrayed. She talked about it but I didn’t quite feel it in her words as I did those other emotions that were so prevalent throughout.

This was a really quick read and I quite enjoyed the plot. I’m not well-versed in horror tropes yet, so I didn’t expect the ending at all. That was fun. I saw that the author is working on a novel right now and I’m curious to hear more about it.

[Jamedi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review originally on JamReads

DuMort is a dystopian Gothic horror novella, written by Michelle Tang, and published by Ghost Orchid Press. A well-executed concept that shows us an intriguing setting partly inspired by the Victorian era, a deeply atmospheric writing that allows the author to maintain the tension alongside the full novella, all to wrap a touching plot.

Mina Braithwaite is being haunted by the vengeful spirit of her departed sister SuChin; desperate for help, she's forced to seek the help of DuMort, a famous occultist and practitioner of forbidden arts. Mydalla's society condemns those arts, but for Mina, trapped in a loveless marriage, DuMort will not only mean the possibility of getting rid of the spirit, but also the start of a passionate tale of danger and broken hearts, revealing much about Mina's past and present.

A novella being short doesn't mean the characters are less fleshed, and Tang puts enormous care into Mina and DuMort. Mina, an outsider in the society, trapped in her marriage, and partly haunted by her self-perceived guilt about her past; DuMort plays as the counterpart, the necessary tool that somehow evolves into something more for Mina, but still a man chained to his secrets, having to perform in secret due to the strict laws of society.

The setting is the outstanding aspect of this novella: a gaslamp Gothic setting where certain practices have been forbidden, passing to the secrecy and being highly persecuted; Tang's prose establishes a really oppressive atmosphere, even before taking in account Mina's situation, paired with a pacing that makes this novella perfect for an one-sit read.

DuMort is a novella that plays really well with its elements, delivering an impactful story while giving us bits of Gothic setting that becomes the perfect envelope for its plot. A great debut novella by Michelle Tang.

[T.J. Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous atmosphere paired with strong, evocative prose, making for an exhilarating read from start to finish. Tang's writing is ornate and baroque, in alignment with the subject matter, with filigrees of fantasy and an iron core of Gothic horror. The heavy wet fog of the city lingers like a greasy stain on a candlelit window, and the constant threat of dogmatic persecution informs every chapter. For a story which is so heavily concerned with pall and gloom, though, this novella was illumined by a startling, brazen life—not to mention a confident authorial savvy. Recommended!

[Alison Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deeply atmospheric and full of supernatural tension, Michelle Tang’s Gaslamp Horror novella, DuMort delivers an emotional punch amidst the oppressive shadows and dimly-lit, foggy streets of Mydalla. In these darkened hallways and drawing rooms, Mina Braithewaite is forced to seek the help of Alexandre DuMort, Occultist and practitioner of forbidden arts. Trapped in a loveless marriage, Mina is plagued by the vengeful spirit of her departed sister SuChin. Each night she is attacked and Mina is desperate for escape that only DuMort can offer. Yet, speaking to the spirits is punishable by imprisonment and even death. What follows is a rich, tale of danger, broken hearts and surprising twists that wrap up in a satisfying, if somewhat disturbing, ending. Hopefully, Tang will return to the world of Mydalla and beyond, to (dare I say) flesh out, this intriguing and riveting setting.

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

[Ange ⚕ angethology · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a last resort for her qualms from the spiritual realm, Mida asks infamous occultist DuMort for his help. In Mydalla's society, Mida already stands out like a sore thumb as a noblewoman — how far is she willing to go, even if it means abandoning her old life?

I love how the prose of the novella reflects the kind of environment Mida has been immersed in, it's lush and elegant without being pretentious. Mida's initially discreet and non-dominating demeanor evolves into something daring, almost out of survival. Grief constantly permeates her mind, and it's not just the dead that is halting her life.

DuMort is an electric force who is supposed to bring a solution, but perhaps also a forbidden excitement into Mida's life. And I personally love the eventual epiphany of their bond — the temptations fostering between them — and what truly brings them together, making Mida realize that her life didn't just stop because of her sister's haunting.

As charming and subtle the psych horror is throughout the book, the last act and ending becomes quite gnarly and I love that! It reminds me of a certain horror film released a few years ago with a subverter. It perfectly encapsulates what 'gaslamp' horror is all about.

Thank you Ghost Orchid Press and BookSirens for the arc, I'm leaving this review voluntarily.

[Courtney Pityer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will say that this novella was quite unique and interesting. It goes to show what lengths some people will go to on order to communicate with a dead loved one. However, some of these methods weren't always acceptable in society and often people were persecuted for their practices.
Our main character Mina has always felt different from the people in her town. For several years she has believed that her sister's spirit is trying to enter her body and has left bruises as a result. Although everyone else believes that she is the one who inflicted the marks herself.
We are also introduced to Alexandre DuMort who is a famous occultist. I had to look up the definition and it is someone who communicates with the spirit world. Mina suspects that he is a fraud at first but overtime as she gets to know him and decides to join him in his work. However DuMort has enemies lurking about and soon Mina becomes way too obsessed with solving the mystery of her sister's spirit that it affects her own life.
I received an arc copy from booksirens and all opinions are of my own.

[The sleepless savant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mrs.Mina Braitwaithe is being haunted by a spirit who she believes is her sister. Then there is the famous occultist ,Alexandre DuMort .As Mina defies the rules of Mydalla,she finds way more than what she wanted to know.

This book had me at the edge of my seat at all times .The language was very beautiful and descriptive and made it easy to visualize the characters .This was a nice read as it had the essence of Gaslamp Fantasy. I would recommend this book to dark fantasy lovers .

[Whisk Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short novella, but it packs a punch! I was immediately drawn into the story and the overall feel of those that live in Mydalla. Mina's loneliness is built so well. I found myself empathizing with her and hoping things work out. Alexandre is a mysterious character that kept me guessing about his legitimacy as an occultist, and his motives for being in Mydalla. The ending was absolutely unexpected.

Overall, I personally feel that this was so well written. To have this level of emotion and feeling built in such a short time isn't easy. If you're looking for a quick read or a break between series, this is for you!

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

[Sharron Joy Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mina is an outlier, never fitting in with society and stalked by a dark creature that hurts her. In desperation she goes to famed occultist, Alexandre Dumort for help. Surprisingly, he invites her to help him in but, he is stalked by enemies of his own.
Which path leads to the most danger, her own tormented one or Alexandre’s truth.

A tale of love and fear burning in a gothic gas lamp of fantasy horror. Mina is trapped in all aspects of her life both real and supernatural. Her plea to Alexandre a scream for help in a world where speaking to the dead is a crime. But, she is already ostracised from society and takes the risk of working with him to find the reason for her haunting.

A short novella that is chilling with some juicy body horror and a shocking finale, an excellent story.

[Annie Ishmakovich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Huge thank you to Ghost Orchid Press and Michelle Tang for the opportunity to read and review this ARC horror novella!

Mrs Mina Braithwaite is haunted; haunted by her past, haunted by the looks she is given by other nobles for her appearance, haunted by the ghost of what once was a loving marriage, but most importantly, she is haunted by the angry ghost of her sister every night.

In a town where it's illegal to mention the dead, Mina takes a chance one evening and meets the infamous occultist Alexandre Dumort. Mina finds herself drawn to the man, who surprisingly offers her the opportunity to work for him In exchange for assistance with finding the real source of her hauntings.

Mina finds herself torn; does she return to her life amongst a society that ostraciseS her, or does she follow Dumort down a dangerous and potentially lethal path?

DuMort is an engaging Gothic horror novella that will grip you from the get go. With an incredibly creepy edge and elements of body horror, DuMort will make you feel grief, despair and rage over it's 120 pages.

[Willy Nichter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant fantasy novella, filled with twists, turns, and memorable characters! Highly recommended! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kaely Shepard · Rating 5 out of 5]

DuMort is an incredibly engaging interesting story. I loved the aspect of the spirits and speaking to the dead. I thought it was well written and had interesting well-crafted characters.

The setting added to the more occult of the story. The Dark Victorian theme, the class disparities, working through personal trauma and dealing with what haunts you.....literally.

I couldn't put it down and I never guessed what was coming next. Highly recommend.

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

In DuMort, Mina crashes an illicit séance in a desperate bid to escape the haunting that’s slowly unraveling her. Though married, she’s drawn to the mysterious occultist—her grief over her sister’s death and growing estrangement from her husband leaving her vulnerable to obsession. As the story spirals into isolation, secrecy, and supernatural dread, Mina’s loneliness crescendos into body horror—and a chilling, permanent companionship.

The setting is the true star here: moody, oppressive, and steeped in occult folklore. In a town where spirit work is illegal, desperate people sneak into the night to find closure. That backdrop adds tension and richness to the horror elements.

While the atmosphere is compelling, the characters, particularly Mina, feel underdeveloped. Her rapid descent and fixation on the occultist needed more emotional grounding to truly resonate. The romantic elements felt awkward and unpolished—suggesting the author might benefit from studying subtler portrayals of longing or restrained desire.

Still, the novella hints at strong potential. With expansion and deeper character work, this could grow into a gripping Gaslamp dark fantasy. I’d be curious to see what the author does in future works.

Recommended for readers looking for a quick, atmospheric horror tale with an eerie vibe and emotional unrest—just don’t expect fully fleshed-out characters.

Thanks to Ghost Orchid Press and BookSirens for the advance review copy.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an early version of this novella, but have since bought and re-read it. This review that I’m posting voluntarily reflects the published version.
DuMort, a gaslamp horror novella by Michelle Tang, is set in the fictional gothic city of Myndalla. An oppressive, creepy place where one cannot discuss the dead, and to raise them will send you to the gallows, or worse.
Miss Mina Kwan, aka Lady Mina Braithwaite, seeks out a famous occultist in Mydalla. She crashes a party to meet him and pleads with him before almost being tossed out. The occultist, the famous DuMort, demands she stay. He agrees to help her as long as she serves as his assistant.
Not only are the plot and setting stunning, but Tang’s prose is morbidly beautiful. Passages pull readers in and keep them there. Beautiful yet grotesque, gentle yet harsh, this novel takes the reader on a riveting journey of horror and fascination. DuMort is an intriguing, attention-grabbing gaslamp horror fantasy. It evokes the dread and mystery of similar novels in the genre, but does it in a refreshing style all its own.

[Lizzy Erickson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tang’s writing painted a mysterious and alluring atmosphere, and I felt immediately drawn into the world of this gothic, gas lamp, horror novella.

MC Mina desperately seeks out occultist Alexandre DuMort to find answers about a spirit that she believes to be her sister’s violent ghost. As payment for his services, she becomes his assistant in illegal private occult rituals communing with the dead. Mystery turns thriller turns horror, with a slightly grotesque ending that has haunted me for days.

I could have used a bit more emotional grounding, but that can also be difficult to achieve in a standalone novella. There was a romantic attraction/obsession that honestly I could have done without, it felt a little thrown in and didn’t seem to serve the plot overall.

As a whole, I really enjoyed the read, especially as a small break between larger books. It made me very curious to see what the author can accomplish with a longer format novel!

I received an ARC for this book through BookSirens, and am posting this review of my own thoughts and opinions voluntarily

[Cat Treadwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a beautiful and atmospheric gothic tale, following the twisting journey of Mina, an Oriental-analogue woman married into a rich Victorian-esque household, who is being haunted by what she believes to be the spirit of her sister.

Will occultist DuMort prove to be honest in his promise to help, or is he just another table-rapper in a city where such activity is illegal?

The vibe of this book is lovely, enticing the reader in from the start, Through wealthy houses to poverty-stricken slums, Mina is a determined heroine who fights against society's constraints in a very satisfying way - no wilting violet here!

However, I did feel that the story could have been condensed a little. It's not long, but certain sections seemed unnecessarily drawn out, and DuMort's constant avoidance of answering any questions became frustrating. Also the ending needed a little more explanation! I'd have appreciated some final chapters explaining just what happened next.

A diverting read for a stormy night.

I was kindly sent an early copy of this book by the publisher, but the above opinions are entirely my own.

[Vikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has such a strong premise—it’s gaslamp horror with occult lore, haunted spirits, and a mysterious, brooding occultist. It should have been right up my alley, and in many ways, the foundation is all there.

The setting is probably the strongest part of the novella. Mydalla’s atmosphere is eerie and intriguing, and I always appreciate a world with a dark, supernatural edge. The concept of Mina being stalked by a spirit and seeking help from an infamous occultist had so much promise.

Unfortunately, the writing style really dragged the experience down for me. It felt dull and flat, which made it hard to stay immersed, especially given how short the novella is. The characters, particularly Mina and DuMort, lacked the depth I needed to care about their connection or their fates. Their chemistry didn’t quite land, and the emotional stakes never fully clicked into place.

I wanted more—more tension, more complexity, more heart. The lore and bones of the story are there, but it felt like a surface-level exploration of a world and characters that deserved deeper treatment.

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

DuMort was a fun novella set in a magical world. I really enjoyed the premise of this book as an actual occultist is hired to help with a ghost. He is the real deal in the crowd of phony people claiming to have the same abilities. This is the type of book that touches on a lot of themes that continously draws me into the genre: grappling with what is and isn't real with supernatural like the after life and psychics and exposing the world its set in for what it is.

The scandal and the drama was enticing, however the story was a little too rushed. The relationships between the characters could have been developed more. The romance that blossoms and the marriage that dissolves would have been more believable with more time to grow into the characters. I understand that it is a novella, however I would have liked for more time to see how the relationships emerged.

But the world building was wonderful. It is definitely the type of book that makes me wish I could just crawl into the pages and live where magic exists.

I am also posting this review on my blog:

http://glamorousbookgal.blogspot.com/...

[A Mac · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an odd work. I liked the idea of the setting and premise, but I didn’t really like the mix of fiction and nonfiction. For example, most names/places in the book were fictional, until The Bastille was randomly thrown in. I disliked this approach, as well as the lack of background we were given. The story just started in the middle of things with nothing grounding it. It was the same with the characters, leaving no time for emotional connection or development.

The romance just didn’t work for me. It was somewhere between romance and obsession but felt forced and unnatural. The zero chemistry just didn’t work. The characters overall were pretty flat and difficult to connect to as well.

The work really needed more of everything for it to come together, so it just didn’t quite work for me. My thanks to the author and BookSirens for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Katie Eakins · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novella was a little bit of a hit and miss for me, but there were some saving graces. The writing style was fairly dry, more the gothic turn of the century style you don’t really expect see much anymore. That didn’t necessarily turn me off, but paired with the lack of background to the story (it really just jumped right in), and emotional development, I just didn’t think it worked as well as it could have. A little too much time was spent on the world for the amount of time we had, although it was done well. The saving point for me, though, was that shock ending! I’m still not exactly sure what I read, but wow what a turn.

Overall I see that most of my issues could be fixed in a full length novel, but I’m not sure if the style is my cup of tea. Thank you Michelle Tang and Ghost Orchid Press for the review copy so I could include my thoughts!

[Chelbie Lane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very obscure novella that will leave you slightly unsettled and in my case, completely reeling.

I was not expecting where this short story went. From the blurb, I thought this was simply a gothic ghost novella with a dash of romance between a haunted woman and an occultist.

It was unexpectedly more than that! Although that was the premise, there was also horror & gore. The last 10% totally shifted my whole perspective of the story and left me with saucers for eyes at the abruptness of it 😳 This isn’t my usual genre so maybe I’m just a baby noob lol, but I’m still recovering from the sharp left turn whiplash this caused me. I received this as an advanced review copy from BookSirens and I’m glad I did. It was a fun read!

[Sadie Hartmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gaslamp fantasy horror is a fusion of historical fiction (usually regency, Victorian, or Edwardian) Gothic vibes/elements, with a magical system, fantasy world-building, and supernatural or paranormal/occult attributes. DuMort is an engaging novella filled with opulent atmosphere and larger-than-life characters.
This is peak reader-immersion into a lavish setting. I definitely found myself wanting more--maybe a better lead-up with a long introduction to the main character or a dual narrative...something to make these vibes last.
But what we do get is pretty magical.
-Speaking to the dead
-Occultists
-Grief & loss
-Ghosts
-Sisters/family
-Revenge
-Ancient spirits

[Shinyfluff · Rating 5 out of 5]

an atmospheric gaslamp horror with themes of racism, othering, loneliness and grief. the setting was a huge star here, the author deftly wrote a eerie mysterious world. I felt like the shortness of the novella worked against the story as the characters, esp that of Mina, could use some fleshing out. The decisions she made seemed to come out of left-field, which I think would be fixed by expanding into a novel. I would love to see this as a full novel actually and would def read that! the ending was bonkers and I really loved it. looking forward to reading more from Michelle Tang!

this is a book I would love to talk about with others, perfect for a book club or group read.

[Skirmantė · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

A haunting and atmospheric story that weaves together the lives of an occultist and a desperate woman. Mina’s sadness isolation is portrayed with such depth that I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of empathy for her, rooting for her throughout. Alexandre is enigmatic and compelling - his true intentions and the authenticity of his occult knowledge kept me on edge. The setting of Mydalla only added to the mystery, and the ending took me completely by surprise.

[Eliza · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fanstical (and short) ride! The eerie setting and cast of characters were enjoyable and our fmc is witty, self aware and strong. I wish this was longer and more fleshed out world building wise, I want to know so much more about the city, religion, her parents and husband! This was a solid 3.5, would have been closer to 4.5 if more fleshed out! Would recommend for a quick read.

Thanks to book sirens for the ARC!

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

[Eli · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a quick novella that drops the reader right into the action. The Mydalla society is dark and superstitious, and makes me want to know more about it. I felt the cast of characters come across as somewhat stilted. This is most likely due to how short the book is. Fear, anxiety, and despair pour off the pages, but there is a lack of deeper emotional range. The writing was full of beauty and terror that led to a fantastic ending.

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