What do you think?
Rate this book
The Ghost Women
A mysterious art academy in the woods, a deck of ancient tarot cards, a centuries-old secret
On a hot August morning in 1972, the body of Abel Montague, a student at St. Luke’s Institute of the Arts, is found hanging from a tree in the forest. An ancient Hanged Man tarot card is found in the back pocket of his pants and his body has been positioned into the exact pose illustrated on the card.
When Detective Lola Germany arrives at St. Luke’s—a former monastery that once housed a secret order of monks who carried out witch trials and executions—she believes they are dealing with a ritualistic murder. While interviewing school administrators and Abel’s classmates, Lola discovers Abel’s live-in girlfriend, Pearl, seems shaken but also might be hiding something—along with her group of friends who call themselves witches.
When more students are found dead, each body arranged like a tarot card, Lola realizes she is trapped in a web of power and ambition that spans centuries. Soon the lines between past and present, spiritual and tangible, begin to blur, and the only way to survive is to seek answers from places she never imagined.
On a hot August morning in 1972, the body of Abel Montague, a student at St. Luke’s Institute of the Arts, is found hanging from a tree in the forest. An ancient Hanged Man tarot card is found in the back pocket of his pants and his body has been positioned into the exact pose illustrated on the card.
When Detective Lola Germany arrives at St. Luke’s—a former monastery that once housed a secret order of monks who carried out witch trials and executions—she believes they are dealing with a ritualistic murder. While interviewing school administrators and Abel’s classmates, Lola discovers Abel’s live-in girlfriend, Pearl, seems shaken but also might be hiding something—along with her group of friends who call themselves witches.
When more students are found dead, each body arranged like a tarot card, Lola realizes she is trapped in a web of power and ambition that spans centuries. Soon the lines between past and present, spiritual and tangible, begin to blur, and the only way to survive is to seek answers from places she never imagined.
11 pages, Audible Audio
First published February 24, 2026
98 people are currently reading
11022 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Murphy
3 books139 followersJennifer Murphy holds a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from the University of Washington and a Master of Fine Arts in Painting from the University of Denver. She is the recipient of the 2013 Loren D. Milliman Scholarship, and was a general contributor at the Bread Loaf Writers' Conference from 2008 through 2012. In 2015, her debut novel, I LOVE YOU MORE (Doubleday, 2014) won the prestigious Nancy Pearl Award for fiction. Her novel SCARLET IN BLUE was released by Dutton Penguin Random House on March 8, 2022. She hales from a small beachfront town in Michigan and has lived in Denver, Charlotte, Seattle, Charleston, and Houston. She currently resides in Alexanria, VA.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
What happens when you take an elite, secret boarding school, witchcraft, a bunch of murders, and stir to combine? Well, you get the dark academia magic that is The Ghost Women. Creepy, sinister, and packed with a ratcheting sense of dread, I found myself swept up in this novel from the very first word. You see, not only was this murder mystery…well…mysterious (and dark), but it was an atmospheric tale full of witchcraft, folklore, and tarot. On top of that, however, was the serial killer plot, which kept me guessing thanks to the oodles of believable red herrings. It was the look at what happens when you push women too far, though, that made this one into an absolute must read. After all, I don’t think that there can ever be enough let-women-roar books in the world.
What else did I love about this one-sitting read? Well, first off, it was one heck of a twisted tale of murder and intrigue. Not just during the seventies, when this story takes place, but over the centuries as the bodies piled up and the sins accrued. You see, this book transcended normal plot lines into a saga of sorts. Intertwining the spiritual and the practical into one, it was an original exploration of art, spirituality, and power that I loved. Perfect for fans of Alex Michaelides or Kirsten Miller, this Southern gothic was, for the most part, an utter home run. The only two issues I had were the handful of brutally dark scenes and the slow-burning pace. That being said, I still had a blast flying through the pages of this tale of ritualistic murder and a century-old secret. Rating of 4.25 stars.
SYNOPSIS
On a hot August morning in 1972, the body of Abel Montague, a student at St. Luke’s Institute of the Arts, is found hanging from a tree in the forest. An ancient Hanged Man tarot card is found in the back pocket of his pants and his body has been positioned into the exact pose illustrated on the card.
When Detective Lola Germany arrives at St. Luke’s—a former monastery that once housed a secret order of monks who carried out witch trials and executions—she believes they are dealing with a ritualistic murder. While interviewing school administrators and Abel’s classmates, Lola discovers Abel’s live-in girlfriend, Pearl, seems shaken but also might be hiding something—along with her group of friends who call themselves witches.
When more students are found dead, each body arranged like a tarot card, Lola realizes she is trapped in a web of power and ambition that spans centuries. Soon the lines between past and present, spiritual and tangible, begin to blur, and the only way to survive is to seek answers from places she never imagined.
Thank you Jennifer Murphy, Dutton Books, and The Future Of Agency for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: February 24, 2026
Content warning: rape, murder, toxic friendships
What else did I love about this one-sitting read? Well, first off, it was one heck of a twisted tale of murder and intrigue. Not just during the seventies, when this story takes place, but over the centuries as the bodies piled up and the sins accrued. You see, this book transcended normal plot lines into a saga of sorts. Intertwining the spiritual and the practical into one, it was an original exploration of art, spirituality, and power that I loved. Perfect for fans of Alex Michaelides or Kirsten Miller, this Southern gothic was, for the most part, an utter home run. The only two issues I had were the handful of brutally dark scenes and the slow-burning pace. That being said, I still had a blast flying through the pages of this tale of ritualistic murder and a century-old secret. Rating of 4.25 stars.
SYNOPSIS
On a hot August morning in 1972, the body of Abel Montague, a student at St. Luke’s Institute of the Arts, is found hanging from a tree in the forest. An ancient Hanged Man tarot card is found in the back pocket of his pants and his body has been positioned into the exact pose illustrated on the card.
When Detective Lola Germany arrives at St. Luke’s—a former monastery that once housed a secret order of monks who carried out witch trials and executions—she believes they are dealing with a ritualistic murder. While interviewing school administrators and Abel’s classmates, Lola discovers Abel’s live-in girlfriend, Pearl, seems shaken but also might be hiding something—along with her group of friends who call themselves witches.
When more students are found dead, each body arranged like a tarot card, Lola realizes she is trapped in a web of power and ambition that spans centuries. Soon the lines between past and present, spiritual and tangible, begin to blur, and the only way to survive is to seek answers from places she never imagined.
Thank you Jennifer Murphy, Dutton Books, and The Future Of Agency for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: February 24, 2026
Content warning: rape, murder, toxic friendships
February 27, 2026
It’s 1972 and bodies are piling up at St. Luke’s Institute of the Arts. The first body is a student, Abel Montague, and he posed like the Hanged Man tarot card. Each body is found with a tarot card.
Lola Germany is the detective on the scene. The area used to be a place where witch trials were carried out. Is something witchy now going on?
This is a slow burn dark academia and part police procedural. I loved Lola as a character. I enjoyed it even though I had a hunch for the culprit. I recommend this to fans of dark academia.
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 11, 2026
4.5. If you like a book that contains dark academia, art, tarot cards, poppets, witchcraft, and of course, murder, then this book is for you!
September 22, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.
When brutal and mysterious murders start occurring at St Lukes Institute of Arts, Detective Lola Germany gets assigned to the case. On campus, a coven of four talented artists who dabble in witchcraft appear to know more than what they let on, which makes Detective Lola question what’s really happening. This book is laced with folklore, witchcraft, cults, and mystery and the story itself was so good.
When brutal and mysterious murders start occurring at St Lukes Institute of Arts, Detective Lola Germany gets assigned to the case. On campus, a coven of four talented artists who dabble in witchcraft appear to know more than what they let on, which makes Detective Lola question what’s really happening. This book is laced with folklore, witchcraft, cults, and mystery and the story itself was so good.
March 1, 2026
This book is dark, layered, and packed with elements I love, witch trial history, tarot symbolism, ritualistic murders, secret societies, and a brooding former monastery setting. The atmosphere alone hooked me. The imagery of bodies posed like tarot cards was eerie and memorable, and the historical threads woven through the mystery added real depth.
Jennifer Murphy’s writing kept me fully engaged. I was constantly trying to piece together what was happening, how the past connected to the present, and who was truly responsible. The blend of spiritual symbolism and grounded detective work made for a compelling, moody read.
But.
My issue isn’t with the writing, it’s with the character choices at the end. Pearl still being completely in love with Abel, even after learning he drugged and raped women, was a major sticking point for me. Him returning in owl form and helping during the murders doesn’t erase who he was or what he did. That redemption arc just didn’t land for me. And it wasn’t just Pearl, the broader acceptance from the Weird Sisters felt equally unsettling. It left me with a serious ick factor that overshadowed an otherwise strong story.
I want to be clear: this is not a critique of the author’s skill. The book is well written, atmospheric, and gripping. This is purely a case of me deeply disliking a character decision that I couldn’t move past.
Up until the ending, I was completely invested. The world building, the mystery, the darkness, all of that worked beautifully. I just wish the emotional resolution had hit differently for me.
Jennifer Murphy’s writing kept me fully engaged. I was constantly trying to piece together what was happening, how the past connected to the present, and who was truly responsible. The blend of spiritual symbolism and grounded detective work made for a compelling, moody read.
But.
My issue isn’t with the writing, it’s with the character choices at the end. Pearl still being completely in love with Abel, even after learning he drugged and raped women, was a major sticking point for me. Him returning in owl form and helping during the murders doesn’t erase who he was or what he did. That redemption arc just didn’t land for me. And it wasn’t just Pearl, the broader acceptance from the Weird Sisters felt equally unsettling. It left me with a serious ick factor that overshadowed an otherwise strong story.
I want to be clear: this is not a critique of the author’s skill. The book is well written, atmospheric, and gripping. This is purely a case of me deeply disliking a character decision that I couldn’t move past.
Up until the ending, I was completely invested. The world building, the mystery, the darkness, all of that worked beautifully. I just wish the emotional resolution had hit differently for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2025
This is an odd but very fascinating look at witches and Tarot cards which I know next to nothing about. It's a chilling tale about St. Luke's Institute of the Arts which--rumor has it--is run like a Secret Society. Detective Lola has been told a student has been found dead in the forest and it's rumored that the Ghost Women protect, not harm anyone. But when she begins to investigate, there are numerous things that simply can't be explained and she is flummoxed by the secrecy she witnesses as well as the mysterious Black Book that keeps appearing. It's a creepy but enlightening look at legends and beliefs that had me turning the pages frantically!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
September 28, 2025
Thank you for the opportunity to preview’ The Ghost Women. If you are a fan of witches and old school sorcery this is a must read.
Set in the early 1970s, this book starts with the death of a student. Found hanging with a strange tarot card left by the scene.
As the bodies pile up, a young detective is set to solve these deaths at a school that has secrets and more importantly students who know that they are being exposed to the world of witchcraft.
Great setting and the author does a great job of bringing the reader to that time period.
Good writing and scary as well.
3.5 stars
Set in the early 1970s, this book starts with the death of a student. Found hanging with a strange tarot card left by the scene.
As the bodies pile up, a young detective is set to solve these deaths at a school that has secrets and more importantly students who know that they are being exposed to the world of witchcraft.
Great setting and the author does a great job of bringing the reader to that time period.
Good writing and scary as well.
3.5 stars
March 20, 2026
The Ghost Women blends mystery, history, and the supernatural into an atmospheric story set at a secluded art academy with a dark past. When a student at St. Luke’s Institute of the Arts is found hanging in the woods, his body posed exactly like the Hanged Man tarot card. Detective Lola Germany is called to investigate. As more deaths follow, each eerily staged to resemble a different tarot card, Lola begins uncovering the school’s unsettling history: a former monastery tied to witch trials, secret societies, and centuries-old power struggles. With the help of a group of students who call themselves witches, Lola finds herself navigating a mystery where the past refuses to stay buried.
I really wanted to love this one and in many ways, I did. There were so many elements here that I’m naturally drawn to: the mysterious art academy setting, the secret school atmosphere, and the tarot card symbolism threaded through the murders. The historical elements surrounding the “ghost women” were particularly compelling, and I loved how their legacy quietly shaped the story. The idea of women holding subtle but powerful influence across centuries was one of the most interesting parts of the book.
I also really enjoyed Detective Lola Germany as our lead. She felt grounded and thoughtful, which worked well against the increasingly strange and layered mystery. The story is told through multiple POVs with small flashbacks woven throughout, which helped build out both the characters and the history of St. Luke’s. The atmosphere was one of the strongest aspects of the book. It had this slightly fever-dreamy, hazy quality without fully tipping into surrealism. The art references, the tarot imagery, and the eerie forest setting all helped create a really immersive mood.
That said, despite enjoying many of the individual elements, I felt like the story was missing something that would have made it truly stand out. The writing itself was strong and the atmosphere was effective, but by the time I reached the ending I felt a little underwhelmed. I can’t quite pinpoint what was lacking, maybe a bit more tension or a sharper payoff, but the overall impact didn’t quite match the promise of the premise.
Still, there’s a lot here that worked for me, and I’d definitely be interested in reading another book by Jennifer Murphy. The concept, atmosphere, and themes were all intriguing, even if the story didn’t fully come together for me in the end.
The Ghost Women is out now. Huge thank you to Dutton Books for my advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion. If you liked this review, please let me know either by commenting below or by visiting my Instagram @speakingof.books.
Tiktok @speakingof.books
I really wanted to love this one and in many ways, I did. There were so many elements here that I’m naturally drawn to: the mysterious art academy setting, the secret school atmosphere, and the tarot card symbolism threaded through the murders. The historical elements surrounding the “ghost women” were particularly compelling, and I loved how their legacy quietly shaped the story. The idea of women holding subtle but powerful influence across centuries was one of the most interesting parts of the book.
I also really enjoyed Detective Lola Germany as our lead. She felt grounded and thoughtful, which worked well against the increasingly strange and layered mystery. The story is told through multiple POVs with small flashbacks woven throughout, which helped build out both the characters and the history of St. Luke’s. The atmosphere was one of the strongest aspects of the book. It had this slightly fever-dreamy, hazy quality without fully tipping into surrealism. The art references, the tarot imagery, and the eerie forest setting all helped create a really immersive mood.
That said, despite enjoying many of the individual elements, I felt like the story was missing something that would have made it truly stand out. The writing itself was strong and the atmosphere was effective, but by the time I reached the ending I felt a little underwhelmed. I can’t quite pinpoint what was lacking, maybe a bit more tension or a sharper payoff, but the overall impact didn’t quite match the promise of the premise.
Still, there’s a lot here that worked for me, and I’d definitely be interested in reading another book by Jennifer Murphy. The concept, atmosphere, and themes were all intriguing, even if the story didn’t fully come together for me in the end.
The Ghost Women is out now. Huge thank you to Dutton Books for my advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion. If you liked this review, please let me know either by commenting below or by visiting my Instagram @speakingof.books.
Tiktok @speakingof.books
March 17, 2026
Miss me with that redemption arc for a rapist 😒
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2026
A big thanks to Netgalley and Dutton for this eARC! 3,5/5⭐️
Tarot-themed murders at an elite art school, tied back to abuse of power, witch burnings, and witchcraft in general… my witchy little heart was absolutely singing! I grew up watching English and Nordic crime shows with my mum, and this book gave off exactly those same vibes. I can very easily see this being adapted for television or film, and honestly, I’d watch it immediately.
I also loved that the story is set in the relative present (the 1970s, but it never feels dated) while maintaining clear, deliberate ties to the past.
That said, while I was completely swept along by the plot, I found myself missing that deeper emotional connection with the MCs, the kind that would’ve allowed the story’s most impactful moments to land somewhere in my bones, rather than just my head.
Tarot-themed murders at an elite art school, tied back to abuse of power, witch burnings, and witchcraft in general… my witchy little heart was absolutely singing! I grew up watching English and Nordic crime shows with my mum, and this book gave off exactly those same vibes. I can very easily see this being adapted for television or film, and honestly, I’d watch it immediately.
I also loved that the story is set in the relative present (the 1970s, but it never feels dated) while maintaining clear, deliberate ties to the past.
That said, while I was completely swept along by the plot, I found myself missing that deeper emotional connection with the MCs, the kind that would’ve allowed the story’s most impactful moments to land somewhere in my bones, rather than just my head.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
In The Ghost Women by Jennifer Murphy (out February 24, 2026), a student at a remote art academy is found hanging in the exact pose of the Hanged Man tarot card, launching a ritualistic murder investigation steeped in witchcraft, magical realism, and centuries-old secrets. The atmosphere is lush and eerie, and if you’re into occult symbolism and long-dead women rising for vengeance against the patriarchy, this will likely be your kind of read.
That said, I struggled with uneven characterization and procedural inaccuracies—particularly with the inexperienced lead detective making baffling choices. The treatment of the Gullah community also felt underdeveloped and othered. Still, the tarot imagery and feminist revenge undercurrent make for an engaging, if flawed, novel.
Read my full review at https://writeontheworld.wordpress.com...
An advance reader copy of this book (ARC) was provided to me by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
That said, I struggled with uneven characterization and procedural inaccuracies—particularly with the inexperienced lead detective making baffling choices. The treatment of the Gullah community also felt underdeveloped and othered. Still, the tarot imagery and feminist revenge undercurrent make for an engaging, if flawed, novel.
Read my full review at https://writeontheworld.wordpress.com...
An advance reader copy of this book (ARC) was provided to me by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Read
February 15, 2026I feel like The Ghost Women should have come out in October. It's also a hybrid-genre sort of book. And I haven't seen even a peep about it, so it might get overlooked.
Thanks to Dutton for providing an advance copy for review!
It's technically historical fiction. It has:
-a spooky Lowcountry island setting
-Dark Academia themes
-feminism
-witchcraft
-Tarot
-themes of art and art history, Italian history
Detective Lola Germany investigates a series of weird, ritualistic murders at a small and elite college for the arts.
It's one of those books that feels like you're in a strange dream while reading it. I'm a little under the weather lately, so that vibe suited me perfectly. It's a very interesting and unique book so give it a try!!
Thanks to Dutton for providing an advance copy for review!
It's technically historical fiction. It has:
-a spooky Lowcountry island setting
-Dark Academia themes
-feminism
-witchcraft
-Tarot
-themes of art and art history, Italian history
Detective Lola Germany investigates a series of weird, ritualistic murders at a small and elite college for the arts.
It's one of those books that feels like you're in a strange dream while reading it. I'm a little under the weather lately, so that vibe suited me perfectly. It's a very interesting and unique book so give it a try!!
December 17, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Dutton for the Advanced Reader’s Copy of The Ghost Women by Jennifer Murphy. This novel is to be published on February 24, 2026.
The novel starts with a young woman being murdered, burned alive, in 1437, on Waverly Island. She was accused of witchcraft. Her name was Matilda and she was one of the first of many Ghost Women.
Six centuries later, we begin the story in a more present time, September 1972, with the murder of a student at St. Luke’s Institute of the Arts, Abel Montague.
The story is told, primarily, from two different perspectives though there are additional voices as we progress. First, there is the lead detective of the Waverly Island Police Department, Lola Germany. Second, there is Pearl Calhoun, live-in girlfriend of Abel Montague, and one of the Weird Sisters.
The Weird Sisters consists of four students: Pearl Calhoun, Karla Gardyn, Esme Li and Hazel Donovan. The connection between all the women, including Lola, is particularly strong and unique with the past circumstances they’ve endured.
The major themes throughout include women empowerment, witchcraft, magic, and tarot. You actually learn quite a bit about tarot. It’s evident the author has substantially researched the subject.
The author perfectly weaves a story connecting the past events to the present events. It’s dark, eerie, mysterious. Although it’s a quick read, there are so many layers to the story. Of all the stories with witches and witchcraft that I’ve read this year, it’s easily the best.
The novel starts with a young woman being murdered, burned alive, in 1437, on Waverly Island. She was accused of witchcraft. Her name was Matilda and she was one of the first of many Ghost Women.
Six centuries later, we begin the story in a more present time, September 1972, with the murder of a student at St. Luke’s Institute of the Arts, Abel Montague.
The story is told, primarily, from two different perspectives though there are additional voices as we progress. First, there is the lead detective of the Waverly Island Police Department, Lola Germany. Second, there is Pearl Calhoun, live-in girlfriend of Abel Montague, and one of the Weird Sisters.
The Weird Sisters consists of four students: Pearl Calhoun, Karla Gardyn, Esme Li and Hazel Donovan. The connection between all the women, including Lola, is particularly strong and unique with the past circumstances they’ve endured.
The major themes throughout include women empowerment, witchcraft, magic, and tarot. You actually learn quite a bit about tarot. It’s evident the author has substantially researched the subject.
The author perfectly weaves a story connecting the past events to the present events. It’s dark, eerie, mysterious. Although it’s a quick read, there are so many layers to the story. Of all the stories with witches and witchcraft that I’ve read this year, it’s easily the best.
February 27, 2026
So much potential…
First, I want to say (write? type?) that lots of readers are loving THE GHOST WOMEN, so feel free to ignore my spoiler-free rant.
My biggest issue was the wrongness of the setting/era. This story takes place at an art college in 1972. That means the students came of age during the Vietnam War, political and social upheaval, hippies and protests, and attitude galore. But we have zero sense of any of that. These students could easily have been entitled college kids today.
Not only did the students’ speech and style not ring true, but we also had women in roles that were extraordinarily rare at that time: a woman detective leading the investigation, a woman Dean of the college, and a woman coroner. All in one small town. Zero acknowledgement that this was a massive exception to the norm, and most laughable, zero pushback from the men.
The only concession to the era was people smoking cigarettes indoors and the students smoking pot. (Which students still do, but whatever.)
We had quite a few POV characters that tended to blend together. Not much about their personalities or mannerisms made them distinguishable from one another.
Then the investigation… lazy and implausible. I can't say more than that because we’d get into spoiler territory.
I had been so excited about this book, which is why I'm now having a tantrum. Thank you for attending my vent session. I might need therapy.
*Thanks to Dutton Books for the free eARC, provided via NetGalley!*
First, I want to say (write? type?) that lots of readers are loving THE GHOST WOMEN, so feel free to ignore my spoiler-free rant.
My biggest issue was the wrongness of the setting/era. This story takes place at an art college in 1972. That means the students came of age during the Vietnam War, political and social upheaval, hippies and protests, and attitude galore. But we have zero sense of any of that. These students could easily have been entitled college kids today.
Not only did the students’ speech and style not ring true, but we also had women in roles that were extraordinarily rare at that time: a woman detective leading the investigation, a woman Dean of the college, and a woman coroner. All in one small town. Zero acknowledgement that this was a massive exception to the norm, and most laughable, zero pushback from the men.
The only concession to the era was people smoking cigarettes indoors and the students smoking pot. (Which students still do, but whatever.)
We had quite a few POV characters that tended to blend together. Not much about their personalities or mannerisms made them distinguishable from one another.
Then the investigation… lazy and implausible. I can't say more than that because we’d get into spoiler territory.
I had been so excited about this book, which is why I'm now having a tantrum. Thank you for attending my vent session. I might need therapy.
*Thanks to Dutton Books for the free eARC, provided via NetGalley!*
October 18, 2025
This was a great read for spooky season. Set in the 1970's at St. Luke's a prestigious Art School. It opens with a student's mysterious death and a tarot card left behind. Lola a detective is sent in to try & solve the case however more bodies just keep appearing. While at St. Luke's she learns of the coven of artist who dabble in the occult and along withThe Ghost Women tree who supposedly protect the students. Lola soon realizes that she may have to sort out what is reqlly going on here and stretch her beliefs in order to do so.
March 10, 2026
The Ghost Women is an absolutely brilliant paranormal, witchy, and feminist murder mystery! Inspired by the Carolinas, we see cultural references to the gullah beliefs, root work, and the sweeping under the rug social behaviors of “boys with be boys”. This book however brings empowering prose and witchy tales that are intended to uplift and inspire. I absolutely loved the inclusion of the Tarot and involvement of the monks and Catholic Church. Highly recommend this one to all book lovers!!
March 2, 2026
Tarot, witches, and the occult. Oh, my. The exploration and explanation of the world of the occult, specifically tarot, was very well done. It's what grabbed my attention to request! This was a fun take on a murder mystery/dark academia(?). I really enjoyed it. It did feel stagnant at times and a little long. While the ending was predictable, it all wrapped up nicely.
March 26, 2026
This book deserves three stars just for how quickly I read it and how it kept me invested. I had quite a few problems with the story itself though. Mainly that the protagonist was so unrealistic. Also, it wrapped up a little too nicely for me.
March 19, 2026
I’m so tired of reading “tampon-size flashlight.” Why can’t it just be a freaking flashlight?
February 26, 2026
I was drawn to this book because of the eerie historical premise, 1972, former monastery, tarot cards, witch trials, rituals, murder, ghosts…and it was all there, but not in a way that felt as scary as I’d hoped. It almost felt like magical realism, which I’ve been trying to get more into, but it just didn’t check all my boxes. I do think others will love it, but for me it was neither a hit or miss. I don’t regret reading it, I’m just feeling a bit indifferent.
March 20, 2026
Synopsis: At an elite art boarding school, a student is found dead posed next to a tarot card. Other bodies soon begin to pile up, and Detective Lola Germany must solve the case before more students are harmed.
Thoughts: What an interesting read! A++ on the setting - a mysterious, elite boarding school for at students in the woods, on an island off the coast of South Carolina that also used to be a monastery. Talk about atmosphere! The folklore and witchcraft add another layer of intrigue to an already well-crafted serial murder plot. If you’re in the mood for a dark and mysterious multi-layered thriller, this is a must read!
Read this if you like:
murder mysteries
dark academia
tarot, witchcraft, folklore
southern gothic
1970s
police procedurals
Thanks to the publisher for the gifted copy
Thoughts: What an interesting read! A++ on the setting - a mysterious, elite boarding school for at students in the woods, on an island off the coast of South Carolina that also used to be a monastery. Talk about atmosphere! The folklore and witchcraft add another layer of intrigue to an already well-crafted serial murder plot. If you’re in the mood for a dark and mysterious multi-layered thriller, this is a must read!
Read this if you like:
murder mysteries
dark academia
tarot, witchcraft, folklore
southern gothic
1970s
police procedurals
Thanks to the publisher for the gifted copy
October 30, 2025
You guys have no idea how much I loved this book! This has really been the best thriller/ murder mystery I’ve read all year. For context, there is murder, mystery, serial killings, tarot cards, burlap dolls, staged crime scenes, witch burnings, a secret art school, seers and witches. The book is witchy, terrifying, addictive and I’ve run out of more adjectives. I have never posted a review the very next day after finishing it, but I had to this time, because it’s good.
I admire Jennifer Murphy as it is evident the research she has done for this. I got to know so much about tarot cards and all. And I was really excited to know how this whole thing was going to be wrapped up in the end. I couldn’t sleep until I finished it.
So, I’ll slow down the hype and will write a few things about the book. The story is set in 1972, on a secluded island in south Carolina, with the mysterious death of an art student at the St. Luke’s university of arts, a school built on the grounds of a centuries old monastery that once held witch trials and executions. Detective Lola Germany, who has her own dark past, leads the investigation and as the murders pile up, I started suspecting everyone including Lola. By the end, I really wished there was like a sequel for this novel.
I loved everything about this book, it’s structure. It’s pacing, the way each character was portrayed to raise suspicion, how seamlessly Jennifer blended the paranormal with the natural. And the cover, it’s what made me look into the book in the first place. The cover is simple, scary and contains the main elements in the book in it. If you couldn’t guess, it’s a five star for me.
And after this book, now I am thinking about how many good books and authors I have missed out on just because they weren’t popular yet.
I admire Jennifer Murphy as it is evident the research she has done for this. I got to know so much about tarot cards and all. And I was really excited to know how this whole thing was going to be wrapped up in the end. I couldn’t sleep until I finished it.
So, I’ll slow down the hype and will write a few things about the book. The story is set in 1972, on a secluded island in south Carolina, with the mysterious death of an art student at the St. Luke’s university of arts, a school built on the grounds of a centuries old monastery that once held witch trials and executions. Detective Lola Germany, who has her own dark past, leads the investigation and as the murders pile up, I started suspecting everyone including Lola. By the end, I really wished there was like a sequel for this novel.
I loved everything about this book, it’s structure. It’s pacing, the way each character was portrayed to raise suspicion, how seamlessly Jennifer blended the paranormal with the natural. And the cover, it’s what made me look into the book in the first place. The cover is simple, scary and contains the main elements in the book in it. If you couldn’t guess, it’s a five star for me.
And after this book, now I am thinking about how many good books and authors I have missed out on just because they weren’t popular yet.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Ghost Women grabbed me by the throat on page one and whispered, “You like vibes? You like dread? You like art kids being weird in the woods?” and then immediately proved it was not bluffing. This book is humid, shadowy, and smug in the way only an elite, invitation-only art academy can be smug, like the buildings themselves are judging your outfit and your bloodline.
It’s August 1972, the air is basically soup, and a student named Abel Montague is found hanging from a tree in the forest. He’s posed to match the Hanged Man tarot card, and the card is literally in his pocket, like the murderer wanted to make sure everyone understood the assignment. If you’ve ever been trapped in a conversation with someone who just discovered symbolism and now won’t stop, imagine that, but with homicide.
Detective Lola Germany shows up ready to do normal detective things, like ask questions and expect answers, which is adorable of her. Unfortunately for Lola, St. Luke’s is a former monastery with a history that includes a secret order of monks who did witch trials and executions, because of course it is. Nothing says “healthy campus culture” like centuries of spiritual violence soaking into the walls like a stain you cannot bleach out.
The school administrators are giving peak “we are too important for consequences” energy, and every conversation feels like someone politely trying to escort Lola out the door without technically confessing to a crime. Meanwhile, Abel’s girlfriend Pearl is rattled, griefy, and also radiating that specific kind of “I know something but I’m not telling you yet” tension that makes you want to shake her and hug her in the same motion.
Pearl’s circle of friends, who call themselves witches, are the kind of girls you would absolutely want in your corner and absolutely fear if you crossed them. There’s this gorgeous thread of women watching out for each other, testing each other, loving each other, and trying to claim power in a place that keeps insisting it belongs to someone else. Even when they’re being messy, they’re compelling messy, the kind where you’re yelling at the page but also fully seated.
Then the bodies keep showing up, each one arranged like a tarot card, and the whole story starts to feel like the island is running a very cursed art exhibit called “Men Will Literally Stage Occult Murders Instead of Going to Therapy.” The tarot angle is deliciously woven in, it’s not just spooky decoration, it’s the engine. Every new card is a new shiver, a new question, a new “wait, are we being haunted, manipulated, or both.”
What I loved most is how the book keeps one foot in the tangible world and one foot in the spiritual, and then slowly slides both feet across the line like it’s done this before. The past bleeds into the present, ambition turns into appetite, and you can feel the centuries-old secret tightening like a noose, which is dark to say considering the opening, but here we are.
Also, the setting is doing the absolute most, in the best way. Woods, monastery bones, art studios, secrets in every hallway, the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to turn on all the lights and still feel like it won’t matter. This is not a cozy mystery where the worst thing that happens is an awkward fundraiser, this is “the vibes are haunted and the haunted are organized.”
I’m calling it a strong, satisfyingly witchy 4 stars, the kind of book you tear through while side-eyeing your own tarot deck like it might start getting ideas.
Whodunity Award: For Making “The Hanged Man” The Least Chill Campus Trend Since Mandatory Nude Figure Drawing
Thank you to Dutton and NetGalley for the ARC, I had a great time being spiritually menaced in exchange for my honesty.
It’s August 1972, the air is basically soup, and a student named Abel Montague is found hanging from a tree in the forest. He’s posed to match the Hanged Man tarot card, and the card is literally in his pocket, like the murderer wanted to make sure everyone understood the assignment. If you’ve ever been trapped in a conversation with someone who just discovered symbolism and now won’t stop, imagine that, but with homicide.
Detective Lola Germany shows up ready to do normal detective things, like ask questions and expect answers, which is adorable of her. Unfortunately for Lola, St. Luke’s is a former monastery with a history that includes a secret order of monks who did witch trials and executions, because of course it is. Nothing says “healthy campus culture” like centuries of spiritual violence soaking into the walls like a stain you cannot bleach out.
The school administrators are giving peak “we are too important for consequences” energy, and every conversation feels like someone politely trying to escort Lola out the door without technically confessing to a crime. Meanwhile, Abel’s girlfriend Pearl is rattled, griefy, and also radiating that specific kind of “I know something but I’m not telling you yet” tension that makes you want to shake her and hug her in the same motion.
Pearl’s circle of friends, who call themselves witches, are the kind of girls you would absolutely want in your corner and absolutely fear if you crossed them. There’s this gorgeous thread of women watching out for each other, testing each other, loving each other, and trying to claim power in a place that keeps insisting it belongs to someone else. Even when they’re being messy, they’re compelling messy, the kind where you’re yelling at the page but also fully seated.
Then the bodies keep showing up, each one arranged like a tarot card, and the whole story starts to feel like the island is running a very cursed art exhibit called “Men Will Literally Stage Occult Murders Instead of Going to Therapy.” The tarot angle is deliciously woven in, it’s not just spooky decoration, it’s the engine. Every new card is a new shiver, a new question, a new “wait, are we being haunted, manipulated, or both.”
What I loved most is how the book keeps one foot in the tangible world and one foot in the spiritual, and then slowly slides both feet across the line like it’s done this before. The past bleeds into the present, ambition turns into appetite, and you can feel the centuries-old secret tightening like a noose, which is dark to say considering the opening, but here we are.
Also, the setting is doing the absolute most, in the best way. Woods, monastery bones, art studios, secrets in every hallway, the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to turn on all the lights and still feel like it won’t matter. This is not a cozy mystery where the worst thing that happens is an awkward fundraiser, this is “the vibes are haunted and the haunted are organized.”
I’m calling it a strong, satisfyingly witchy 4 stars, the kind of book you tear through while side-eyeing your own tarot deck like it might start getting ideas.
Whodunity Award: For Making “The Hanged Man” The Least Chill Campus Trend Since Mandatory Nude Figure Drawing
Thank you to Dutton and NetGalley for the ARC, I had a great time being spiritually menaced in exchange for my honesty.
March 28, 2026
Το "The Ghost Women" αρθρώνεται ως ένα πυκνό, ατμοσφαιρικό θρίλερ μυστηρίου, όπου η πλοκή εκτυλίσσεται με σταθερό ρυθμό και αιφνιδιαστικές κορυφώσεις, χωρίς να διολισθαίνει σε περιττολογίες. Η αφήγηση παραμένει δεμένη, ενώ τα διαδοχικά συμβολικά εγκλήματα, δομημένα ως τελετουργικά συμβόλαια ανάμεσα στο ορατό και το αθέατο, εντείνουν την αγωνία και συγκροτούν ένα σκοτεινό πλέγμα νοημάτων.
Το φολκλορικό υπόστρωμα και το φαντασιακό περιβάλλον, εμποτισμένα με αισθητική dark academia, δημιουργούν μια υποβλητική συνθήκη όπου η ταυτότητα των προσώπων παραμένει ρευστή, διαρκώς υπό διαπραγμάτευση. Οι γρήγορες εξελίξεις δεν υπονομεύουν την αφηγηματική συνοχή· αντιθέτως, ενισχύουν την αίσθηση του αναπόδραστου, οδηγώντας σε ένα αναπάντεχο τέλος που ανατρέπει τις προσδοκίες του αναγνώστη χωρίς να προδίδει την εσωτερική λογική του έργου.
Η ιστορία αναδεικνύεται ως μια κατεξοχήν "γυναικεία υπόθεση", όπου η μαγεία λειτουργεί τόσο ως αφηγηματικός μηχανισμός όσο και μεταφορά της γυναικείας δύναμης και της ιστορικά καταπιεσμένης γνώσης. Τα συμβόλαια και οι τελετουργίες αντανακλούν τις αόρατες δεσμεύσεις που επιβάλλει η πατριαρχία, ενώ τα σειριακά εγκλήματα αποκτούν μια αλληγορική διάσταση• αποκαλύπτουν τη βία που ασκείται πάνω στο γυναικείο σώμα και στην ταυτότητά του. Το κείμενο θίγει με οξύτητα την εκμετάλλευση του συναισθηματισμού της γυναίκας από το ανδρικό βλέμμα, καθώς και τη διττή της υπόσταση ως φορέα δύναμης και ευαλωτότητας. Μέσα σε αυτό το σκοτεινό, μυστηριώδες σύμπαν, η γυναικεία εμπειρία δεν παρουσιάζεται ως παθητική αλλά ως δυναμική και αντιστασιακή, επαναδιεκδικώντας τον χώρο της τόσο στην αφήγηση όσο και στην ίδια την ιστορία.
"The Ghost Women" unfolds as a dense, atmospheric work of thriller-mystery fiction, its plot advancing with measured steadiness and sudden, disquieting crescendos, never lapsing into discursiveness. The narrative remains tightly woven, while the sequence of symbolic murders, constructed as ritualistic contracts between the visible and the unseen, intensifies the suspense and forms a dark, intricate web of meaning. Its folkloric substratum and imaginatively rendered setting, steeped in a distinct dark academia aesthetic, generate a haunting ambience in which the identities of the characters remain fluid, perpetually negotiated. The brisk pace of events does not undermine narrative cohesion; rather, it reinforces a sense of inevitability, culminating in an unexpected conclusion that subverts the reader’s expectations without betraying the internal logic of the text.
The novel emerges as an emphatically "female affair", wherein magic operates both as a narrative device and as a metaphor for female power and historically suppressed knowledge. The contracts and rituals mirror the invisible constraints imposed by patriarchy, while the serial killings assume an allegorical dimension, exposing the violence inflicted upon the female body and its identity. The text engages, with acuity, the exploitation of women’s emotionality under the male gaze, while foregrounding their dual condition as both vulnerable and powerful. Within this dark and enigmatic universe, female experience is not rendered passive but dynamic and resistant, reclaiming its place both within the narrative and within history itself.
Το φολκλορικό υπόστρωμα και το φαντασιακό περιβάλλον, εμποτισμένα με αισθητική dark academia, δημιουργούν μια υποβλητική συνθήκη όπου η ταυτότητα των προσώπων παραμένει ρευστή, διαρκώς υπό διαπραγμάτευση. Οι γρήγορες εξελίξεις δεν υπονομεύουν την αφηγηματική συνοχή· αντιθέτως, ενισχύουν την αίσθηση του αναπόδραστου, οδηγώντας σε ένα αναπάντεχο τέλος που ανατρέπει τις προσδοκίες του αναγνώστη χωρίς να προδίδει την εσωτερική λογική του έργου.
Η ιστορία αναδεικνύεται ως μια κατεξοχήν "γυναικεία υπόθεση", όπου η μαγεία λειτουργεί τόσο ως αφηγηματικός μηχανισμός όσο και μεταφορά της γυναικείας δύναμης και της ιστορικά καταπιεσμένης γνώσης. Τα συμβόλαια και οι τελετουργίες αντανακλούν τις αόρατες δεσμεύσεις που επιβάλλει η πατριαρχία, ενώ τα σειριακά εγκλήματα αποκτούν μια αλληγορική διάσταση• αποκαλύπτουν τη βία που ασκείται πάνω στο γυναικείο σώμα και στην ταυτότητά του. Το κείμενο θίγει με οξύτητα την εκμετάλλευση του συναισθηματισμού της γυναίκας από το ανδρικό βλέμμα, καθώς και τη διττή της υπόσταση ως φορέα δύναμης και ευαλωτότητας. Μέσα σε αυτό το σκοτεινό, μυστηριώδες σύμπαν, η γυναικεία εμπειρία δεν παρουσιάζεται ως παθητική αλλά ως δυναμική και αντιστασιακή, επαναδιεκδικώντας τον χώρο της τόσο στην αφήγηση όσο και στην ίδια την ιστορία.
"The Ghost Women" unfolds as a dense, atmospheric work of thriller-mystery fiction, its plot advancing with measured steadiness and sudden, disquieting crescendos, never lapsing into discursiveness. The narrative remains tightly woven, while the sequence of symbolic murders, constructed as ritualistic contracts between the visible and the unseen, intensifies the suspense and forms a dark, intricate web of meaning. Its folkloric substratum and imaginatively rendered setting, steeped in a distinct dark academia aesthetic, generate a haunting ambience in which the identities of the characters remain fluid, perpetually negotiated. The brisk pace of events does not undermine narrative cohesion; rather, it reinforces a sense of inevitability, culminating in an unexpected conclusion that subverts the reader’s expectations without betraying the internal logic of the text.
The novel emerges as an emphatically "female affair", wherein magic operates both as a narrative device and as a metaphor for female power and historically suppressed knowledge. The contracts and rituals mirror the invisible constraints imposed by patriarchy, while the serial killings assume an allegorical dimension, exposing the violence inflicted upon the female body and its identity. The text engages, with acuity, the exploitation of women’s emotionality under the male gaze, while foregrounding their dual condition as both vulnerable and powerful. Within this dark and enigmatic universe, female experience is not rendered passive but dynamic and resistant, reclaiming its place both within the narrative and within history itself.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is easily one of the most brilliant, creative, original mysteries/thrillers I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading. There’s something so wonderfully unsettling about a story that feels steeped in history, and The Ghost Women is that story. From the very first chapter—where a young woman is burned for witchcraft in 1437—to the haunting discovery of Abel Montague’s body in 1972, this novel wraps you in a centuries-old mystery and refuses to let go until the very end.
The setting alone is enough to send chills down your spine. St. Luke’s Institute of the Arts, a former monastery with ties to witch trials and secret societies, feels alive with whispers of the past. When Detective Lola Germany arrives to investigate what appears to be a ritualistic murder—complete with a Hanged Man tarot card and a body posed to match—it’s clear this is no ordinary crime. As more students turn up dead, each arranged like a tarot card, the tension continues to tighten.
What I loved most was the layered storytelling. The dual perspectives—Lola’s grounded, methodical investigation and Pearl Calhoun’s intimate connection to the victims as one of the self-proclaimed “Weird Sisters”—create a compelling push and pull between logic and belief. The friendships among the young women are complex and powerful, rooted in shared secrets and a legacy that stretches back centuries. There’s a strong current of female empowerment running through the novel, honoring the so-called “Ghost Women” while examining the cost of power, ambition, and survival.
The tarot elements are woven in beautifully. You can tell the author did her research; the symbolism never feels gimmicky but instead deepens the mystery and enriches the atmosphere. The lines between spiritual and tangible blur in the most unsettling way, and I found myself questioning what was ritual, what was revenge, and what might be something far older and darker.
Dark, eerie, and incredibly atmospheric, this is one of the most compelling witch-centered stories I’ve read. It’s a quick read, but don’t mistake that for simplicity—there are layers upon layers here, connecting past and present in a way that feels both inevitable and shocking.
If you love secret societies, tarot symbolism, morally complex women, and mysteries that echo across centuries, this one is a must-read. I devoured it.
The biggest thank you to NetGalley, Dutton, and Jennifer Murphy for this outstanding eARC!
The setting alone is enough to send chills down your spine. St. Luke’s Institute of the Arts, a former monastery with ties to witch trials and secret societies, feels alive with whispers of the past. When Detective Lola Germany arrives to investigate what appears to be a ritualistic murder—complete with a Hanged Man tarot card and a body posed to match—it’s clear this is no ordinary crime. As more students turn up dead, each arranged like a tarot card, the tension continues to tighten.
What I loved most was the layered storytelling. The dual perspectives—Lola’s grounded, methodical investigation and Pearl Calhoun’s intimate connection to the victims as one of the self-proclaimed “Weird Sisters”—create a compelling push and pull between logic and belief. The friendships among the young women are complex and powerful, rooted in shared secrets and a legacy that stretches back centuries. There’s a strong current of female empowerment running through the novel, honoring the so-called “Ghost Women” while examining the cost of power, ambition, and survival.
The tarot elements are woven in beautifully. You can tell the author did her research; the symbolism never feels gimmicky but instead deepens the mystery and enriches the atmosphere. The lines between spiritual and tangible blur in the most unsettling way, and I found myself questioning what was ritual, what was revenge, and what might be something far older and darker.
Dark, eerie, and incredibly atmospheric, this is one of the most compelling witch-centered stories I’ve read. It’s a quick read, but don’t mistake that for simplicity—there are layers upon layers here, connecting past and present in a way that feels both inevitable and shocking.
If you love secret societies, tarot symbolism, morally complex women, and mysteries that echo across centuries, this one is a must-read. I devoured it.
The biggest thank you to NetGalley, Dutton, and Jennifer Murphy for this outstanding eARC!
October 20, 2025
3.5 stars
I love a creepy read in October, and this one is giving _Suspiria_ vibes (without giving full _Suspiria_ in many ways). All of the artists, the occult/supernatural elements, and the sense of place/mysterious school add to the sinister backdrop.
For me, a good mystery that centers a detective requires that this detective have a compelling backstory. Their evolution is just as important if not more so than the central questions. I found that with Lola, whose personal connections to the community make her an intriguing character. After all, the sus activities appear to be very longstanding in some ways. Anyone with roots here (creepy tree and/or familial) may have deeper connections to hidden sinister behaviors. Is Lola part of the solution or problem? This was a question I enjoyed asking and answering while reading.
I was drawn to this read by the promise of Tarot and witches, and I wasn't let down. The discussions of Tarot history, the ties between Tarot and the focal crimes, and the flexible use of witchery all helped me stay engaged. I was less enamored by the ongoing treatment of women by men throughout the book, and while this created a realistic sense of the period (and, unfortunately, modern reality), I often wanted more matriarchal wins (I mean...witches. Let's do this) and less of the opposite. Readers sensitive to common motifs in this area should hit up some more specific TW/CW info than what I'll provide here and read with care.
Overall, I enjoyed my first read by Murphy, and I'll look forward to more!
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Dutton for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
I love a creepy read in October, and this one is giving _Suspiria_ vibes (without giving full _Suspiria_ in many ways). All of the artists, the occult/supernatural elements, and the sense of place/mysterious school add to the sinister backdrop.
For me, a good mystery that centers a detective requires that this detective have a compelling backstory. Their evolution is just as important if not more so than the central questions. I found that with Lola, whose personal connections to the community make her an intriguing character. After all, the sus activities appear to be very longstanding in some ways. Anyone with roots here (creepy tree and/or familial) may have deeper connections to hidden sinister behaviors. Is Lola part of the solution or problem? This was a question I enjoyed asking and answering while reading.
I was drawn to this read by the promise of Tarot and witches, and I wasn't let down. The discussions of Tarot history, the ties between Tarot and the focal crimes, and the flexible use of witchery all helped me stay engaged. I was less enamored by the ongoing treatment of women by men throughout the book, and while this created a realistic sense of the period (and, unfortunately, modern reality), I often wanted more matriarchal wins (I mean...witches. Let's do this) and less of the opposite. Readers sensitive to common motifs in this area should hit up some more specific TW/CW info than what I'll provide here and read with care.
Overall, I enjoyed my first read by Murphy, and I'll look forward to more!
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Dutton for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Atmospheric, full of folklore and magic? Sign me up!
Thank you, Dutton Books, for the #gifted copy of The Ghost Women 🌳 {partner}
Genre: Mystery
Format: 🎧📖
Pub Date: 2.24.2026
Pages: 468
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆.5
I loved the way this story unfolded. Every chapter carried this quiet, creeping sense of mystery, and the remote island setting made everything feel even more intense. You get folklore, hints of witchcraft, cult elements, and layered history all woven together in a way that kept me completely hooked.
At its core, the book really centers on women being pushed too far and finally refusing to stay silent about the ways they’ve been mistreated — and I thought that theme was handled really well. The multiple POVs worked perfectly here too, with each character adding another piece to the bigger picture.
I especially loved how the folklore tied directly into what was happening on the island. I was guessing right up until the end. My only small critique is that the ending didn’t feel quite as tight as the rest of the story — still good, just not as strong as the buildup.
Read if you enjoy:
👀 Atmospheric mysteries
😱 Isolated settings
✨ Folklore and witchy elements
🗣️ Multi-POV storytelling
Pick this up if you want a slightly spooky, mystery-filled read that keeps you guessing. I also think that The Ghost Women is the perfect choice for anyone who enjoys books by Kirsten Miller.
______
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chaptersofc...
Follow me on Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/chaptersofc...
Follow me on StoryGraph:https://www.instagram.com/chaptersofc...
Thank you, Dutton Books, for the #gifted copy of The Ghost Women 🌳 {partner}
Genre: Mystery
Format: 🎧📖
Pub Date: 2.24.2026
Pages: 468
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆.5
I loved the way this story unfolded. Every chapter carried this quiet, creeping sense of mystery, and the remote island setting made everything feel even more intense. You get folklore, hints of witchcraft, cult elements, and layered history all woven together in a way that kept me completely hooked.
At its core, the book really centers on women being pushed too far and finally refusing to stay silent about the ways they’ve been mistreated — and I thought that theme was handled really well. The multiple POVs worked perfectly here too, with each character adding another piece to the bigger picture.
I especially loved how the folklore tied directly into what was happening on the island. I was guessing right up until the end. My only small critique is that the ending didn’t feel quite as tight as the rest of the story — still good, just not as strong as the buildup.
Read if you enjoy:
👀 Atmospheric mysteries
😱 Isolated settings
✨ Folklore and witchy elements
🗣️ Multi-POV storytelling
Pick this up if you want a slightly spooky, mystery-filled read that keeps you guessing. I also think that The Ghost Women is the perfect choice for anyone who enjoys books by Kirsten Miller.
______
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chaptersofc...
Follow me on Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/chaptersofc...
Follow me on StoryGraph:https://www.instagram.com/chaptersofc...
January 28, 2026
3.5 stars rounded up.
The Ghost Women had an intriguing premise.
In the fall of 1972, a body is found hanging from a tree in the forest of St. Luke’s Institute of the Arts. His body is marked by a tarot card depicting the same image of the body hanging. When the Detective Lola Germany arrives on the scene, she suspects a ritualistic murder. See, St. Luke’s is a former monastery that carried out witch trials and executions. As Lola interviews the students of St. Luke’s, they seem to be hiding something. There’s a group of women, including the girlfriend of the dead student, who consider themselves witches, and it appears this mystery may go back centuries.
This book has all the makings of a book that would really work for me: dark academia, a murder mystery, witches! Alas, it was just fine. I thought the mystery of the murders were intriguing and some of the history was as well. However, I felt the pacing was very slow in this story. There are definitely signs of who the murderer is quite early on. There were aspects of the finale that did surprise me though. There is also a subplot lingering below the surface of this story that felt like a bit of a distraction.
I think if you’re into dark academia and murder mysteries this could be for you. Just be patient with the story, as at times it felt exhausting to get to the point being made.
Thank you to Dutton Books and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Ghost Women had an intriguing premise.
In the fall of 1972, a body is found hanging from a tree in the forest of St. Luke’s Institute of the Arts. His body is marked by a tarot card depicting the same image of the body hanging. When the Detective Lola Germany arrives on the scene, she suspects a ritualistic murder. See, St. Luke’s is a former monastery that carried out witch trials and executions. As Lola interviews the students of St. Luke’s, they seem to be hiding something. There’s a group of women, including the girlfriend of the dead student, who consider themselves witches, and it appears this mystery may go back centuries.
This book has all the makings of a book that would really work for me: dark academia, a murder mystery, witches! Alas, it was just fine. I thought the mystery of the murders were intriguing and some of the history was as well. However, I felt the pacing was very slow in this story. There are definitely signs of who the murderer is quite early on. There were aspects of the finale that did surprise me though. There is also a subplot lingering below the surface of this story that felt like a bit of a distraction.
I think if you’re into dark academia and murder mysteries this could be for you. Just be patient with the story, as at times it felt exhausting to get to the point being made.
Thank you to Dutton Books and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 17, 2026
I went into The Ghost Women expecting something a little different, but overall it wasn’t a bad read. The story leans heavily into a mysterious, witchy atmosphere, which ended up being my favorite part of the book. If you enjoy books with hints of folklore, magic, and eerie small-town vibes, there’s definitely something here to appreciate.
The plot itself moves pretty slowly. While the mystery is interesting enough to keep you reading, it takes quite a while to really get going. The characters were just okay—none of them particularly stood out to me, and I didn’t feel especially attached to any of them.
One thing that really bothered me was the way one character’s point-of-view sections were written. Instead of feeling like normal narration like the others, it reads as if she’s talking directly to someone. It comes across as awkward and a bit off-putting, and honestly felt unnecessary compared to the rest of the narrative style.
Unfortunately, the ending felt rushed and a little anticlimactic. After the slower pacing throughout the book, I was hoping for a more satisfying payoff.
That said, I did really enjoy all the witchy elements sprinkled throughout the story. Those moments added a lot of atmosphere and were easily the highlight for me.
Overall, not quite what I expected, but still an okay mystery if you’re in the mood for something with a touch of the supernatural.
The plot itself moves pretty slowly. While the mystery is interesting enough to keep you reading, it takes quite a while to really get going. The characters were just okay—none of them particularly stood out to me, and I didn’t feel especially attached to any of them.
One thing that really bothered me was the way one character’s point-of-view sections were written. Instead of feeling like normal narration like the others, it reads as if she’s talking directly to someone. It comes across as awkward and a bit off-putting, and honestly felt unnecessary compared to the rest of the narrative style.
Unfortunately, the ending felt rushed and a little anticlimactic. After the slower pacing throughout the book, I was hoping for a more satisfying payoff.
That said, I did really enjoy all the witchy elements sprinkled throughout the story. Those moments added a lot of atmosphere and were easily the highlight for me.
Overall, not quite what I expected, but still an okay mystery if you’re in the mood for something with a touch of the supernatural.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews