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The Two Deaths of Lillian Carmichael: A Novel
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100 copies available
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A young woman, perceived dead, plots to reinvent herself in a gripping historical gothic about secrets, superstition, and murder by the bestselling author of
The Devil and Mrs. Davenport.
South Carolina, 1853. Lillian Carmichael, privileged daughter of a disgraced Charleston family, is due to be hanged for the murder of her sister when fate gives her a second chance at life.
After a catatonic episode on the long walk to the gallows, Lillian is declared dead and entombed in the family mausoleum. She awakens days later, buried alive, and flees to the Lowcountry marshes to survive on her wits and reinvent herself. All the while, a series of exsanguination murders holds the terrorized city in thrall—as do the superstitions that the vanished Lillian is some craven creature, resurrected and out for blood.
Lillian finds sanctuary in a crumbling former plantation and a friend in Kate O’Malley, a charismatic actress adept at fashioning new identities. The two form an intimate and powerful alliance, but as the body count rises, the manhunt for Lillian reaches a fever pitch. It will take both women’s cunning for her to escape the gallows again, and to find her freedom, Lillian must first cross paths with the real killer and confront her own family’s deepest, darkest secret.
South Carolina, 1853. Lillian Carmichael, privileged daughter of a disgraced Charleston family, is due to be hanged for the murder of her sister when fate gives her a second chance at life.
After a catatonic episode on the long walk to the gallows, Lillian is declared dead and entombed in the family mausoleum. She awakens days later, buried alive, and flees to the Lowcountry marshes to survive on her wits and reinvent herself. All the while, a series of exsanguination murders holds the terrorized city in thrall—as do the superstitions that the vanished Lillian is some craven creature, resurrected and out for blood.
Lillian finds sanctuary in a crumbling former plantation and a friend in Kate O’Malley, a charismatic actress adept at fashioning new identities. The two form an intimate and powerful alliance, but as the body count rises, the manhunt for Lillian reaches a fever pitch. It will take both women’s cunning for her to escape the gallows again, and to find her freedom, Lillian must first cross paths with the real killer and confront her own family’s deepest, darkest secret.
Audible Audio
Expected publication March 10, 2026
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About the author
Paulette Kennedy
8 books927 followersOriginally from the Missouri Ozarks, Paulette Kennedy now lives with her family in a quiet suburb of Los Angeles.
When she's not writing or reading, she enjoys tending to her garden, knitting, and finding unique vintage treasures at thrift stores and flea markets.
As a history lover, she can get lost for days in her research—learning everything she can about the places in her stories and the experiences her characters might have had in the past.
This dedication to research infuses her world-building with realistic detail and creates a cinematic, immersive experience for the reader.
Paulette’s next novel is The Devil and Mrs. Davenport, a domestic gothic set in the 1950s about a homemaker who develops psychic abilities after a viral illness.
When she's not writing or reading, she enjoys tending to her garden, knitting, and finding unique vintage treasures at thrift stores and flea markets.
As a history lover, she can get lost for days in her research—learning everything she can about the places in her stories and the experiences her characters might have had in the past.
This dedication to research infuses her world-building with realistic detail and creates a cinematic, immersive experience for the reader.
Paulette’s next novel is The Devil and Mrs. Davenport, a domestic gothic set in the 1950s about a homemaker who develops psychic abilities after a viral illness.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
It is 1853 in Charleston, South Carolina and Lillian Carmichael has been condemned for the murder of her sister, Rebecca, and now has a date with the hangman’s noose. After being buried alive in her family’s mausoleum, most people would believe Lillian’s story ends there…but this is exactly what she is counting on as she escapes into the wild wetlands on the outskirts of town. It is here she crosses paths with Kate O’Malley, a singer and actress with a chameleon-like ability to change her identity when it suits her. While Lillian finds refuge and safety with Kate, the murders of young women continue in Charleston. As the body count rises at a rapid rate, the community starts to believe that this level of slaughter must be the work of a vengeful vampiric creature. Once her empty casket is found, Lillian is forced to race against time and the actual murderer to vindicate herself and save Charleston from the true monster.
This was a fast-paced southern gothic with a huge heart. Kennedy is so talented at connecting the reader to the characters as well as constructing a dynamic, layered cast to tell her stories; it is one of her true strengths as a writer. The creeping dread and increasingly tense atmosphere were palpable, making this book irresistible and hard to put down. I found it particularly enthralling that the murderer generated a desperate, almost old-world vampire panic in a later time period, creating quite a clever convergence of eras. Character interactions were especially tense because of the excessive suspicion and fear of the murderer’s identity (which I did NOT manage to guess before the big reveal!). And lastly, I actually appreciated the shorter length of the book because every page seemed thoughtfully laid out and the plot revved up swiftly and inexorably to its culmination. Lillian’s story at its core is one of becoming, rebirth, and resilience. You must go read for yourself to see if Lillian is able to survive death a second time…either way, it is sure to be a fang-tastically murderous time!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC and the opportunity to share what I think! All opinions are my own.
This was a fast-paced southern gothic with a huge heart. Kennedy is so talented at connecting the reader to the characters as well as constructing a dynamic, layered cast to tell her stories; it is one of her true strengths as a writer. The creeping dread and increasingly tense atmosphere were palpable, making this book irresistible and hard to put down. I found it particularly enthralling that the murderer generated a desperate, almost old-world vampire panic in a later time period, creating quite a clever convergence of eras. Character interactions were especially tense because of the excessive suspicion and fear of the murderer’s identity (which I did NOT manage to guess before the big reveal!). And lastly, I actually appreciated the shorter length of the book because every page seemed thoughtfully laid out and the plot revved up swiftly and inexorably to its culmination. Lillian’s story at its core is one of becoming, rebirth, and resilience. You must go read for yourself to see if Lillian is able to survive death a second time…either way, it is sure to be a fang-tastically murderous time!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC and the opportunity to share what I think! All opinions are my own.
December 24, 2025
3.5. There are plenty of interesting elements in this book, which made the reading experience quite enjoyable for me. At the same time, I couldn’t quite shake the feeling that some aspects could have been executed better, which ultimately lowered my rating.
This is a Southern Gothic novel set in 1850s Charleston that follows Lilian, a woman convicted of a murder she didn’t commit. After narrowly escaping the gallows, she is forced to hide in the surrounding marshes, where she eventually finds refuge on a plantation run by a charming and secretive actress named Kate, who is skilled at creating multiple identities. Feelings between them begin to bloom, but at the same time Lilian’s situation grows increasingly grim when people start to suspect that she might not actually be dead, and new murders occur around Charleston, once again placing her under suspicion.
As I mentioned, there’s a lot to like here. From a historical fiction perspective, the book explores some very intriguing concepts, such as the 19th-century vampire fever. Because the story is set just before the Civil War, it also offers glimpses into the political tensions and social structures of a city deeply tied to the slave trade. The novel is clearly well researched, especially when it comes to the topography and local history of Charleston. I also found the story engaging. It was a quick, easy read with good pacing that kept me eager to find out what would happen next.
I particularly enjoyed the first part of the book. It was atmospheric and tense, and the stakes felt high. Lilian is a well-written protagonist, and Paulette Kennedy’s strength in creating compelling female characters definitely shows here. However, the closer the story got to the ending, the weaker some elements became. In particular, the final chapters felt rushed. I wish the climax had been built up more carefully, with certain plot points explored in greater depth. As it stands, everything happens very quickly—once the real killer is revealed, the story moves to its conclusion within a chapter or two, which makes some moments feel unearned. Because of this, I struggled to fully empathize with Lilian’s final decision. I wanted her reasoning to be more grounded in what we had seen earlier in the story. In its current form, I felt almost nothing after finishing the book. It’s a bit ironic to say this, since I’m not usually a fan of long books, but I genuinely think this novel would have benefited from being about 50 pages longer.
Overall, I’m sure that this book will be a hit for a lot of people. It’s an interesting, well-researched, and accessible book, especially for fans of Gothic fiction with strong female leads. While I enjoyed my time with it, some flaws make me unsure how much of it I’ll remember a year from now.
Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This is a Southern Gothic novel set in 1850s Charleston that follows Lilian, a woman convicted of a murder she didn’t commit. After narrowly escaping the gallows, she is forced to hide in the surrounding marshes, where she eventually finds refuge on a plantation run by a charming and secretive actress named Kate, who is skilled at creating multiple identities. Feelings between them begin to bloom, but at the same time Lilian’s situation grows increasingly grim when people start to suspect that she might not actually be dead, and new murders occur around Charleston, once again placing her under suspicion.
As I mentioned, there’s a lot to like here. From a historical fiction perspective, the book explores some very intriguing concepts, such as the 19th-century vampire fever. Because the story is set just before the Civil War, it also offers glimpses into the political tensions and social structures of a city deeply tied to the slave trade. The novel is clearly well researched, especially when it comes to the topography and local history of Charleston. I also found the story engaging. It was a quick, easy read with good pacing that kept me eager to find out what would happen next.
I particularly enjoyed the first part of the book. It was atmospheric and tense, and the stakes felt high. Lilian is a well-written protagonist, and Paulette Kennedy’s strength in creating compelling female characters definitely shows here. However, the closer the story got to the ending, the weaker some elements became. In particular, the final chapters felt rushed. I wish the climax had been built up more carefully, with certain plot points explored in greater depth. As it stands, everything happens very quickly—once the real killer is revealed, the story moves to its conclusion within a chapter or two, which makes some moments feel unearned. Because of this, I struggled to fully empathize with Lilian’s final decision. I wanted her reasoning to be more grounded in what we had seen earlier in the story. In its current form, I felt almost nothing after finishing the book. It’s a bit ironic to say this, since I’m not usually a fan of long books, but I genuinely think this novel would have benefited from being about 50 pages longer.
Overall, I’m sure that this book will be a hit for a lot of people. It’s an interesting, well-researched, and accessible book, especially for fans of Gothic fiction with strong female leads. While I enjoyed my time with it, some flaws make me unsure how much of it I’ll remember a year from now.
Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
January 14, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️1/4 (3.25 stars)
Have you ever dreamed about accidentally being buried alive? Or was it just me?
As someone who was utterly intrigued when reading the synopsis of this book, I have to say that it does partly live up to all the mystery and intrigue I imagined it having.
Lilian, our main character, both infuriated me and made me feel so so much sympathy for her. I really felt as if I was living with her through all of her experiences and struggles after being accused of the murder of her sister and countless other women to come. What I really liked about her character was the way she learned to never fully trust someone over the course of the book and how she kept being true to herself till the very end, how she chose to do good despite many people wronging her (I also adored her way of stealing only from the rich! It gave me a bit of a Robin Hood vibe). Speaking about trust, I also really liked the way Kate’s character was written and how she had so many facets to her! It made reading her relationship with Lilian even more interesting because one could never fully trust her either. And I loved this type of mystery which was created this way.
Besides that, I also wanna praise this book for all the historical research that went into it and how it is pretty accurate in terms of premature burials at that time,the civil war south, slavery and the vibe of the Victorian era (at parts I actually got flashbacks of reading one of Sarah Waters books and I have to admit, I adored that way the book was sooo good in replicating this Victorian style). I also liked that its main character were critical of slavery and how the acted in favor of its abolishment.
However, the book still had its few flaws. I, for one, felt like it dragged the whole mystery aspect of who the real killer is very long. Though I enjoyed reading it, I felt like the big reveal could’ve come earlier. I also feel like some characters were led off very easily and I also would’ve loved to have known more of certain characters past or even if Lilian met them again.
Nevertheless, this book really shines with delivering the right atmosphere (or vibe as I mentioned) and I do think that it’s worth a read, especially for those who enjoy a historical story with sapphic themes, speculations about vampires and a great atmosphere.
Have you ever dreamed about accidentally being buried alive? Or was it just me?
As someone who was utterly intrigued when reading the synopsis of this book, I have to say that it does partly live up to all the mystery and intrigue I imagined it having.
Lilian, our main character, both infuriated me and made me feel so so much sympathy for her. I really felt as if I was living with her through all of her experiences and struggles after being accused of the murder of her sister and countless other women to come. What I really liked about her character was the way she learned to never fully trust someone over the course of the book and how she kept being true to herself till the very end, how she chose to do good despite many people wronging her (I also adored her way of stealing only from the rich! It gave me a bit of a Robin Hood vibe). Speaking about trust, I also really liked the way Kate’s character was written and how she had so many facets to her! It made reading her relationship with Lilian even more interesting because one could never fully trust her either. And I loved this type of mystery which was created this way.
Besides that, I also wanna praise this book for all the historical research that went into it and how it is pretty accurate in terms of premature burials at that time,the civil war south, slavery and the vibe of the Victorian era (at parts I actually got flashbacks of reading one of Sarah Waters books and I have to admit, I adored that way the book was sooo good in replicating this Victorian style). I also liked that its main character were critical of slavery and how the acted in favor of its abolishment.
However, the book still had its few flaws. I, for one, felt like it dragged the whole mystery aspect of who the real killer is very long. Though I enjoyed reading it, I felt like the big reveal could’ve come earlier. I also feel like some characters were led off very easily and I also would’ve loved to have known more of certain characters past or even if Lilian met them again.
Nevertheless, this book really shines with delivering the right atmosphere (or vibe as I mentioned) and I do think that it’s worth a read, especially for those who enjoy a historical story with sapphic themes, speculations about vampires and a great atmosphere.
February 13, 2026
The Two Deaths of Lillian Carmichael by Paulette Kennedy. Thanks to @amazonpublishing for the gifted Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Lillian Carmichael is accused of killing her sister but becomes catatonic on her way to execution. She’s declared dead and buried, but rises days later and runs into hiding. Her story quickly becomes lore, as women begin being found dead with their blood drained.
Paulette Kennedy is one of my favorite authors. I loved BlackBerry Grange and Mrs Davenport. I guess you just can’t love them all, and that’s okay! There were parts of this I did really like. I loved Lillian’s character and her activities when she was on the run. I wasn’t in love with Kate’s character and didn’t really understand the play with different identities. The sec scenes were not for me; and I say that as one who is not a prude and I enjoy some steam but they way they were written was just not my cup of tea. That said, there is an interesting story behind it and if you like dark romances, vampire stories, definitely give it a try and maybe it’ll be your favorite!
“My whole life it’s been one coffin after another.”
Read if you like:
-Sapphic romances
-Historical fiction and romances
-Women on the run or in hiding
-Vampires!
The Two Deaths of Lillian Carmichael comes out 3/10.
Lillian Carmichael is accused of killing her sister but becomes catatonic on her way to execution. She’s declared dead and buried, but rises days later and runs into hiding. Her story quickly becomes lore, as women begin being found dead with their blood drained.
Paulette Kennedy is one of my favorite authors. I loved BlackBerry Grange and Mrs Davenport. I guess you just can’t love them all, and that’s okay! There were parts of this I did really like. I loved Lillian’s character and her activities when she was on the run. I wasn’t in love with Kate’s character and didn’t really understand the play with different identities. The sec scenes were not for me; and I say that as one who is not a prude and I enjoy some steam but they way they were written was just not my cup of tea. That said, there is an interesting story behind it and if you like dark romances, vampire stories, definitely give it a try and maybe it’ll be your favorite!
“My whole life it’s been one coffin after another.”
Read if you like:
-Sapphic romances
-Historical fiction and romances
-Women on the run or in hiding
-Vampires!
The Two Deaths of Lillian Carmichael comes out 3/10.
December 3, 2025
Nobody creates an FMC like Paulette Kennedy. LIllian Carmichael is a flawed yet intriguing, frustrating yet inspiring, stubborn yet caring character marred by familial trauma and long-buried secrets.
Lillian has been convicted of killing her frail and beautiful sister, a sister who stole her betrothed. But collapsing on her way to the noose, Lillian is declared dead and placed in the family’s mausoleum. She awakens days later and sees a way to start a new life, hiding in the swamps around Charleston.
And so begins Lillian second life, with new companions, new threats, new love, responsibilities, dangers and opportunities. A thrilling, sexy, twisty gothic novel with a blood thirsty killer who seems to know Lillian’s secrets.
A fast and tense read, that kept me guessing and flying through the chapters.
Thank you @NetGalley and @lakeunionpublishing for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Lillian has been convicted of killing her frail and beautiful sister, a sister who stole her betrothed. But collapsing on her way to the noose, Lillian is declared dead and placed in the family’s mausoleum. She awakens days later and sees a way to start a new life, hiding in the swamps around Charleston.
And so begins Lillian second life, with new companions, new threats, new love, responsibilities, dangers and opportunities. A thrilling, sexy, twisty gothic novel with a blood thirsty killer who seems to know Lillian’s secrets.
A fast and tense read, that kept me guessing and flying through the chapters.
Thank you @NetGalley and @lakeunionpublishing for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75 (rounded up)
"They say death comes in threes. That tragedy, unlike lightening, strikes the same family over and over. The specter of mourning, once invited in, is loath to leave."
Wow! What a line! Swoon. No one can deny Kennedy's craft of creating a striking gothic tale. She leaves nothing out. Dark but delicious, there is death, suspense, and impending doom. We've got ourselves an isolated manor. We've got irrationality and town hysterics. And? We have a promise of the supernatural. All the elements of a quintessential gothic novel, and I am a gothic novel super fan! Let's go.
The first half of the story had me absolutely glued to the pages. I loved the build up to the first death of Lillian Carmichael. Talk about hooking your reader! Our female protagonist is the perfect portrait of a damsel in distress. Cruelly villainized by the tyrannical men in her life and painted as wicked, she is sent to her death with heinous family secrets up her sleeve. This is all written superbly.
In the second half, we get to see our damsel in distress flex a bit. We are introduced to some big persona, and the story begins to take off in a direction I was not expecting. Our narrative went rather heavy on the romance, and unfortunately, anything supernatural took an almost nonexistent back burner. That's not to say it wasn't done well, it was. It's just to say my own personal preference would have been the other way around. I needed less love scenes and more "monster." The secrets we do become privy to are horrifying, and done in true macabre fashion.
Final thoughts? While this personally wasn't my favorite Kennedy novel, there is no denying she is a queen of gothic storytelling. She is, and will continue to be, an autobuy author for a reason!
"They say death comes in threes. That tragedy, unlike lightening, strikes the same family over and over. The specter of mourning, once invited in, is loath to leave."
Wow! What a line! Swoon. No one can deny Kennedy's craft of creating a striking gothic tale. She leaves nothing out. Dark but delicious, there is death, suspense, and impending doom. We've got ourselves an isolated manor. We've got irrationality and town hysterics. And? We have a promise of the supernatural. All the elements of a quintessential gothic novel, and I am a gothic novel super fan! Let's go.
The first half of the story had me absolutely glued to the pages. I loved the build up to the first death of Lillian Carmichael. Talk about hooking your reader! Our female protagonist is the perfect portrait of a damsel in distress. Cruelly villainized by the tyrannical men in her life and painted as wicked, she is sent to her death with heinous family secrets up her sleeve. This is all written superbly.
In the second half, we get to see our damsel in distress flex a bit. We are introduced to some big persona, and the story begins to take off in a direction I was not expecting. Our narrative went rather heavy on the romance, and unfortunately, anything supernatural took an almost nonexistent back burner. That's not to say it wasn't done well, it was. It's just to say my own personal preference would have been the other way around. I needed less love scenes and more "monster." The secrets we do become privy to are horrifying, and done in true macabre fashion.
Final thoughts? While this personally wasn't my favorite Kennedy novel, there is no denying she is a queen of gothic storytelling. She is, and will continue to be, an autobuy author for a reason!
February 20, 2026
Rating is 4.75 stars rounded up
I was pulled in right away by that very first line! The writing was so vivid, allowing me to fully picture the Charleston setting. I loved the switching POVs between Lillian and the Vampire diary, the tension it created with the mystery of what was happening to the young women!
I didn’t want to put this down but had to at one point due to illness 😭 As soon as I was even the tiniest bit improved I dove back in and devoured Lillian’s story! The characters had so much depth to them, I couldn’t put my finger on Kate and trying to puzzle out her motives (which I loved).
I didn’t always love the spicy scenes mostly because I wasn’t expecting them and some of the language used in place of the actual anatomical terms. But for the most part I did enjoy watching their relationship evolve throughout the novel, curious to see where it was going/how it would be affected by the plot and time period!
This is my third book from Kennedy and just proved once again how much I love her writing and ability to take inspiration from history and folklore to craft such phenomenal stories!
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union for the eARC
I was pulled in right away by that very first line! The writing was so vivid, allowing me to fully picture the Charleston setting. I loved the switching POVs between Lillian and the Vampire diary, the tension it created with the mystery of what was happening to the young women!
I didn’t want to put this down but had to at one point due to illness 😭 As soon as I was even the tiniest bit improved I dove back in and devoured Lillian’s story! The characters had so much depth to them, I couldn’t put my finger on Kate and trying to puzzle out her motives (which I loved).
I didn’t always love the spicy scenes mostly because I wasn’t expecting them and some of the language used in place of the actual anatomical terms. But for the most part I did enjoy watching their relationship evolve throughout the novel, curious to see where it was going/how it would be affected by the plot and time period!
This is my third book from Kennedy and just proved once again how much I love her writing and ability to take inspiration from history and folklore to craft such phenomenal stories!
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union for the eARC
October 22, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, Paulette Kennedy and the publisher for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
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I was drawn to The Two Deaths of Lillian Carmichael by its intriguing premise: a gothic tale of survival, reinvention, and murder set in 1850s South Carolina. The opening chapters delivered on that promise, setting up a dark and atmospheric story with a sense of mystery and danger that immediately caught my attention.
Unfortunately, after that strong start, the story began to lose its focus. The writing and pacing were inconsistent; just as I started to settle into the rhythm, it would shift again and pull me out of the narrative. Some passages were overly detailed about things that didn’t seem to matter, while others felt rushed or confusing. The dialogue often came across as stiff, especially early on, and only Kate’s character maintained some consistency throughout.
The dual points of view didn’t quite work for me. The killer’s perspective, which added more confusion than depth, felt rather... unnecessary. Still, there were glimmers of potential in the book’s setting and atmosphere. I liked the eerie isolation of the marshes and the grand house where Kate and Lillian lived, even if those moments could have felt more vivid.
By the end, I was left mostly confused. I understood Lillian’s final choice and found a small sense of satisfaction in her finding purpose, but overall the execution didn’t live up to the intriguing concept. The Two Deaths of Lillian Carmichael had all the ingredients for a compelling gothic mystery, but the result felt scattered and hard to follow.
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I was drawn to The Two Deaths of Lillian Carmichael by its intriguing premise: a gothic tale of survival, reinvention, and murder set in 1850s South Carolina. The opening chapters delivered on that promise, setting up a dark and atmospheric story with a sense of mystery and danger that immediately caught my attention.
Unfortunately, after that strong start, the story began to lose its focus. The writing and pacing were inconsistent; just as I started to settle into the rhythm, it would shift again and pull me out of the narrative. Some passages were overly detailed about things that didn’t seem to matter, while others felt rushed or confusing. The dialogue often came across as stiff, especially early on, and only Kate’s character maintained some consistency throughout.
The dual points of view didn’t quite work for me. The killer’s perspective, which added more confusion than depth, felt rather... unnecessary. Still, there were glimmers of potential in the book’s setting and atmosphere. I liked the eerie isolation of the marshes and the grand house where Kate and Lillian lived, even if those moments could have felt more vivid.
By the end, I was left mostly confused. I understood Lillian’s final choice and found a small sense of satisfaction in her finding purpose, but overall the execution didn’t live up to the intriguing concept. The Two Deaths of Lillian Carmichael had all the ingredients for a compelling gothic mystery, but the result felt scattered and hard to follow.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Beautifully written and touching southern gothic story of a woman who gets to discover what she really wants in life, once her whole world gets ripped away.
Lillian Carmichael has been sentenced to death for killing her sister. She claims she's innocent but there's something holding her back from proving it. Then a few days after what was supposed to be her death day she wakes up in her coffin. We follow Lillian trying to navigate her second chance at life, while a mysterious person starts killing women of Charleston.
I love how layered this story is. For a relatively short book there's so much to this story with plenty of twists and turns. Lillian is a complex character who's sometimes difficult to like. She seems to have a lot of compassion and yet somehow gets very stuck in her way when people don't behave the way that makes her their priority. It made her into a really fascinating character to follow.
I've really enjoyed the way so many mysteries played part in this story. We have the mystery of what happened to Lillian's sister, and the mystery of the killer's identity, and the mystery of Kate. How trustworthy is she and what is her back story? None of them had an obvious answers until the final reveal and yet they had enough hints throughout the story that the reveal didn't feel like it came out of nowhere.
This was my first Paulette Kennedy book and now I look forward to reading more of her works.
Thank you to paulette Kennedy and Lake Union Publishing for this ARC.
Lillian Carmichael has been sentenced to death for killing her sister. She claims she's innocent but there's something holding her back from proving it. Then a few days after what was supposed to be her death day she wakes up in her coffin. We follow Lillian trying to navigate her second chance at life, while a mysterious person starts killing women of Charleston.
I love how layered this story is. For a relatively short book there's so much to this story with plenty of twists and turns. Lillian is a complex character who's sometimes difficult to like. She seems to have a lot of compassion and yet somehow gets very stuck in her way when people don't behave the way that makes her their priority. It made her into a really fascinating character to follow.
I've really enjoyed the way so many mysteries played part in this story. We have the mystery of what happened to Lillian's sister, and the mystery of the killer's identity, and the mystery of Kate. How trustworthy is she and what is her back story? None of them had an obvious answers until the final reveal and yet they had enough hints throughout the story that the reveal didn't feel like it came out of nowhere.
This was my first Paulette Kennedy book and now I look forward to reading more of her works.
Thank you to paulette Kennedy and Lake Union Publishing for this ARC.
October 25, 2025
Paulette Kennedy returns with another southern gothic with The Two Deaths of Lillian Carmichael.
In 1850s South Carolina, Lillian Carmichael wakes from the dead after her execution. She must live in disguise to escape the threat of being imprisoned once again for the murder of her sister. Lillian finds solace with Kate, a master of disguise who teaches her how to live in the shadows. But it's within these shadows that a predator is on the loose, draining innocent women of their blood. Lillian's resurrection comes with a heavy price as the predator sets its eyes on her, threatening her life and freedom.
I am a fan of Paulette Kennedy's writing as her southern gothic's always balance the psychological with the supernatural really well. This story started off very strong with Lillian waking up in a mausoleum and having to create a new life for herself. The eeriness of this created a high stakes tension that had me excited for the story. Heavy themes were explored such as medical malpractice, abuse, slavery, wrongful convictions, that all came together by the end of the story. I appreciate the author for her bravery in exploring dark themes in her books. While it's not easy for me as a reader to read such topics, I always finish Paulette's books having learned something new. I feel this was a good gothic as the supernatural elements were devices used to explore disturbing aspects of the past.
For my own personal taste, I didn't like the intimate scenes as they were too graphic. I also thought the Sapphic element took away from the creepiness of the story that was successfully introduced in the first few chapters. The story is highly original and had me guessing until the very end. Despite not caring for the romance and some graphic scenes, the overall plot was unique and dark enough to make me want to solve the mystery. While it's not Paulette Kennedy's best book, it's still a good gothic with enough mystery and mayhem to appeal to fans of the genre.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a free arc via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.
In 1850s South Carolina, Lillian Carmichael wakes from the dead after her execution. She must live in disguise to escape the threat of being imprisoned once again for the murder of her sister. Lillian finds solace with Kate, a master of disguise who teaches her how to live in the shadows. But it's within these shadows that a predator is on the loose, draining innocent women of their blood. Lillian's resurrection comes with a heavy price as the predator sets its eyes on her, threatening her life and freedom.
I am a fan of Paulette Kennedy's writing as her southern gothic's always balance the psychological with the supernatural really well. This story started off very strong with Lillian waking up in a mausoleum and having to create a new life for herself. The eeriness of this created a high stakes tension that had me excited for the story. Heavy themes were explored such as medical malpractice, abuse, slavery, wrongful convictions, that all came together by the end of the story. I appreciate the author for her bravery in exploring dark themes in her books. While it's not easy for me as a reader to read such topics, I always finish Paulette's books having learned something new. I feel this was a good gothic as the supernatural elements were devices used to explore disturbing aspects of the past.
For my own personal taste, I didn't like the intimate scenes as they were too graphic. I also thought the Sapphic element took away from the creepiness of the story that was successfully introduced in the first few chapters. The story is highly original and had me guessing until the very end. Despite not caring for the romance and some graphic scenes, the overall plot was unique and dark enough to make me want to solve the mystery. While it's not Paulette Kennedy's best book, it's still a good gothic with enough mystery and mayhem to appeal to fans of the genre.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a free arc via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.
February 19, 2026
Firstly thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the advanced copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.
This book tells the story of Lilian Carmichael who is set to be executed after murdering her sister . The story then follows Lilian after she wakes buried in her coffin and the struggles she goes through to try to clear her name. This is set in South Carolina before the American Civil War so has a lot of historical references including slavery,abolitions and class differences so check triggers . It was a really fast paced read and I was surprised interested by the vampire element but could have done without the romance . 3.75 ⭐️ rounded down
This book tells the story of Lilian Carmichael who is set to be executed after murdering her sister . The story then follows Lilian after she wakes buried in her coffin and the struggles she goes through to try to clear her name. This is set in South Carolina before the American Civil War so has a lot of historical references including slavery,abolitions and class differences so check triggers . It was a really fast paced read and I was surprised interested by the vampire element but could have done without the romance . 3.75 ⭐️ rounded down
February 19, 2026
3.5⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced reader copy. This is a story about Lillian, a woman sentenced to death for murdering her sister. She escapes the gallows and goes into hiding where she meets Kate. A love story, a vampire on a killing spree and several twists and turns involved made this an entertaining novel and the authors note at the end was really informative.
February 13, 2026
I loved the first part of this book. Our main character is supposed to be killed but she faints or something on the way to the gallows and she gets placed into a coffin alive. She breaks free and has to reinvent her life. That's the interesting part of the story.
October 21, 2025
I received this book for free and exchange for an honest review from NetGalley.
⭐️⭐️
If I had to read the word “sweetling” one more time, I was going to become another victim of this story.
I wanted to love this one. Southern gothic atmosphere was moody and beautifully done; but that’s about where it stopped for me. The pacing was painfully slow, the romance took over more than I cared for, and the story was heavy with abuse (both sexual and physical), violence, and way more sex scenes than necessary. Call me a prude, blah, blah. I am not opposed to them but I thought this was a horror/thriller book and it did NOT hit those genres for me.
If you’re in it for the atmosphere and southern gothic vibes, you might enjoy it. Or if you like a twisty romance, this book is for you. But for me, this one just dragged and left me more frustrated than fascinated.
Also, this is a real quote: "Indeed my delectable little crumpet." 🤢
⭐️⭐️
If I had to read the word “sweetling” one more time, I was going to become another victim of this story.
I wanted to love this one. Southern gothic atmosphere was moody and beautifully done; but that’s about where it stopped for me. The pacing was painfully slow, the romance took over more than I cared for, and the story was heavy with abuse (both sexual and physical), violence, and way more sex scenes than necessary. Call me a prude, blah, blah. I am not opposed to them but I thought this was a horror/thriller book and it did NOT hit those genres for me.
If you’re in it for the atmosphere and southern gothic vibes, you might enjoy it. Or if you like a twisty romance, this book is for you. But for me, this one just dragged and left me more frustrated than fascinated.
Also, this is a real quote: "Indeed my delectable little crumpet." 🤢
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Finished reading: February 20th 2026
"Life is hardly ever that easy. And our best-laid plans are often a trap we set for ourselves."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
REVIEW
November 13, 2025
"It's not the thought of death that concerns me: it's the getting there I dread."
As always, thanks to NetGalley for providing another great advanced reader copy. This is the first novel I have read by Paulette Kennedy, and it will not be the last.
I went into this reading blindly. I choose to review this book based on the title alone. The sound of two deaths for anyone is cause enough to stop any person viewing it. Little did I know the contents inside would be even more of an adventure than I anticipated.
The story is set in mid 1800s (1853 I believe). And it tells a tale of a young girl who is falsely accused of murdering her sister. While on her walk to the gallows, she passes out, and wakes up buried alive. She escapes the burial confines, but then has to lead a second life that is so far from the life she had before. And this is when the story begins to twist.
I was surprised three times in Lillian's story. The first when a vampire enters the storyline. As vampire fiction is the foundation of the majority of my readings, I certainly did not expect this. I could have if I had read the synopsis, possibly. The second time was when Lillian's tragic story evolves into a sapphic love story. Finally, the third time was who the vampire was revealed to be.
Overall, I think this was a well read book. It was filled with a driving story. The story itself was filled with characters who you could champion, despise, and want to read more about (Ruby and her father come to mind). It also tackled many diverse topics: slavery, sexuality, women's oppression, race, class, gender, sexual identity, grief and trauma, but also the resiliency of women in an era when they're looked at as objects for desire, breeding, and servants of mens every need.
The question that I was left with though, is was it normal in this time period to take two years to sentence a person to death when those in power were thought the criminal was guilty without any doubt? It seems that in this period, I would think it would have been done so more expeditiously?
Memorable quotes:
"It's not the thought of death that concerns me; it's the getting there I dread."
"In this, my newly resurrected life, I vow to be a little more selfish and unconcerned with the opinions of others."
"I've been given a second chance at life. But without money or food, my miraculous resurrection won't feel miraculous long."
"This Sally was once someone's beloved daughter. Someone's friend. I wonder about her life and what led her to this sad end."
"I took a few lovers of the years. The body has its needs, after all."
As always, thanks to NetGalley for providing another great advanced reader copy. This is the first novel I have read by Paulette Kennedy, and it will not be the last.
I went into this reading blindly. I choose to review this book based on the title alone. The sound of two deaths for anyone is cause enough to stop any person viewing it. Little did I know the contents inside would be even more of an adventure than I anticipated.
The story is set in mid 1800s (1853 I believe). And it tells a tale of a young girl who is falsely accused of murdering her sister. While on her walk to the gallows, she passes out, and wakes up buried alive. She escapes the burial confines, but then has to lead a second life that is so far from the life she had before. And this is when the story begins to twist.
I was surprised three times in Lillian's story. The first when a vampire enters the storyline. As vampire fiction is the foundation of the majority of my readings, I certainly did not expect this. I could have if I had read the synopsis, possibly. The second time was when Lillian's tragic story evolves into a sapphic love story. Finally, the third time was who the vampire was revealed to be.
Overall, I think this was a well read book. It was filled with a driving story. The story itself was filled with characters who you could champion, despise, and want to read more about (Ruby and her father come to mind). It also tackled many diverse topics: slavery, sexuality, women's oppression, race, class, gender, sexual identity, grief and trauma, but also the resiliency of women in an era when they're looked at as objects for desire, breeding, and servants of mens every need.
The question that I was left with though, is was it normal in this time period to take two years to sentence a person to death when those in power were thought the criminal was guilty without any doubt? It seems that in this period, I would think it would have been done so more expeditiously?
Memorable quotes:
"It's not the thought of death that concerns me; it's the getting there I dread."
"In this, my newly resurrected life, I vow to be a little more selfish and unconcerned with the opinions of others."
"I've been given a second chance at life. But without money or food, my miraculous resurrection won't feel miraculous long."
"This Sally was once someone's beloved daughter. Someone's friend. I wonder about her life and what led her to this sad end."
"I took a few lovers of the years. The body has its needs, after all."
February 26, 2026
I absolutely LOVED this book! I first discovered Paulette Kennedy when I read the Devil & Mrs. Davenport and have yet to be let down by any of her books. Her writing is so unique and descriptive that it pulls you into the story and allows you to feel as though you are along for the ride, walking the streets with the character. In the Two Deaths of Lillian Carmichael, we go back to 19th Century America-the town of Charleston in 1853. Lillian, a lady of noble society has been accused of a crime so grotesque she is on her way to the gallows. Later, she awakens in her tomb and escapes, knowing she must flee the town in order to survive. We follow her journey of hardship and loneliness as she learns to be on her own for the first time ever. Coinciding with her escape, there are murders that have been occurring in the same town/surrounding areas. Rumors of a “Vampire” that is hunting women and Lillian learns her name has come up as number one suspect.
Eventually, she finds refuge in a friend, Kate who takes her in and although she feels safe, she is not quite sure she can trust her completely. Kate is an actor and has many characters she likes to play. She does help Lillian begin to find her footing and sort through her feelings from the trauma of her past-and we begin to see a relationship from between two.
I felt there was so much going on in this book that kept me entertained and engaged. The storyline was so, so good. The little twists that were thrown in, I didn’t see coming and added so much special energy to this read. I loved seeing Lillian’s transformation from a meek, shy, dependent society girl to a woman who could begin to stand on her own and know what she wants. Paulette writes accurately about the time period. We see her research brought to life in these pages and although it isn’t pretty, it is necessary to understand what life was like. I do love that our FMC’s had strong ethics in a way that helped people and were fair. And not to give too much away, but by the end of the book, I was proud of Lil for sticking to what she believed in and following through with her dreams.
*There is spice and romantic scenes in this book, I see that some people didn’t expect that, but yes this is a Sapphic love story. It was beautifully written.
*Personal thanks to Paulette Kennedy for sending me an ARC copy-I requested :) , I am so grateful!! All reviews are my own opinion.
Eventually, she finds refuge in a friend, Kate who takes her in and although she feels safe, she is not quite sure she can trust her completely. Kate is an actor and has many characters she likes to play. She does help Lillian begin to find her footing and sort through her feelings from the trauma of her past-and we begin to see a relationship from between two.
I felt there was so much going on in this book that kept me entertained and engaged. The storyline was so, so good. The little twists that were thrown in, I didn’t see coming and added so much special energy to this read. I loved seeing Lillian’s transformation from a meek, shy, dependent society girl to a woman who could begin to stand on her own and know what she wants. Paulette writes accurately about the time period. We see her research brought to life in these pages and although it isn’t pretty, it is necessary to understand what life was like. I do love that our FMC’s had strong ethics in a way that helped people and were fair. And not to give too much away, but by the end of the book, I was proud of Lil for sticking to what she believed in and following through with her dreams.
*There is spice and romantic scenes in this book, I see that some people didn’t expect that, but yes this is a Sapphic love story. It was beautifully written.
*Personal thanks to Paulette Kennedy for sending me an ARC copy-I requested :) , I am so grateful!! All reviews are my own opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 ⭐️ | The Two Deaths of Lillian Carmichael is a Southern gothic with the kind of premise that immediately grabbed my attention—1853 Charleston, a disgraced daughter sentenced to hang for her sister’s murder, declared dead after a catatonic episode… only to wake up buried in her family’s mausoleum.
Lillian’s “second death” is really a rebirth story wrapped in earthy, Southern gothic atmosphere. Fleeing into the Lowcountry marshes, she sheds her old life and stumbles into an uneasy sanctuary with Kate O’Malley—an actress who survives by reinventing herself as often as necessary. Their relationship is one of the strongest elements of the novel: intimate, layered, and built on shifting trust. Kate’s chameleon nature adds a constant undercurrent of tension—are we watching a savior, a schemer, or something in between?
Meanwhile, Charleston is unraveling. As young women are found exsanguinated, whispers of vampirism and resurrected vengeance spread through the city. The hysteria is eerie—more superstition-fueled panic than true horror—but it creates a creeping dread in every chapter. I loved how the murder mystery, the question of Rebecca’s death, and Kate’s secrets all came together. The reveals felt earned, with just enough breadcrumbs to make the ending satisfying rather than out of nowhere.
Where this landed at 3.5 stars for me is mostly in the pacing and emotional depth. The book is relatively short, and while that keeps it tight and fast-moving, I sometimes wanted more—especially in Lillian’s internal reckoning. She’s a fascinating character: compassionate yet self-absorbed at times, determined but frustratingly rigid. That complexity makes her interesting, but I didn’t always feel fully connected to her transformation.
Still, the atmosphere? Immaculate. At its core, this is a story about reinvention, about a woman forced to confront both the lies told about her and the lies she’s told herself. If you love Southern gothic with strong female alliances, layered mysteries, and sapphic romance, this one is well worth the read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for this eARC!
Lillian’s “second death” is really a rebirth story wrapped in earthy, Southern gothic atmosphere. Fleeing into the Lowcountry marshes, she sheds her old life and stumbles into an uneasy sanctuary with Kate O’Malley—an actress who survives by reinventing herself as often as necessary. Their relationship is one of the strongest elements of the novel: intimate, layered, and built on shifting trust. Kate’s chameleon nature adds a constant undercurrent of tension—are we watching a savior, a schemer, or something in between?
Meanwhile, Charleston is unraveling. As young women are found exsanguinated, whispers of vampirism and resurrected vengeance spread through the city. The hysteria is eerie—more superstition-fueled panic than true horror—but it creates a creeping dread in every chapter. I loved how the murder mystery, the question of Rebecca’s death, and Kate’s secrets all came together. The reveals felt earned, with just enough breadcrumbs to make the ending satisfying rather than out of nowhere.
Where this landed at 3.5 stars for me is mostly in the pacing and emotional depth. The book is relatively short, and while that keeps it tight and fast-moving, I sometimes wanted more—especially in Lillian’s internal reckoning. She’s a fascinating character: compassionate yet self-absorbed at times, determined but frustratingly rigid. That complexity makes her interesting, but I didn’t always feel fully connected to her transformation.
Still, the atmosphere? Immaculate. At its core, this is a story about reinvention, about a woman forced to confront both the lies told about her and the lies she’s told herself. If you love Southern gothic with strong female alliances, layered mysteries, and sapphic romance, this one is well worth the read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for this eARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Two Deaths of Lillian Carmichael starts with one of my favorite first lines ever. I was hooked in the first clause and am grateful to Lake Union publishing for giving me the chance to read and review on NetGalley.
I was intrigued by the synopsis, rife with murder, resurrection and secrets of many kinds. This book delivers on family secrets, historical detail, rage, vengeance, grief, hope, and a thunderous climax.
This book is great for dark family secrets, hidden identities, gothic mysteries, vampire hysteria, historical fiction set in the antebellum South, stories of women’s fortitude, and sapphic romance.
Lillian Carmichael is a sympathetic main character with a good moral compass and trapped by horrible circumstances. Sentenced to hang for a murder she didn’t commit, she forgoes a chance to exonerated herself because she doesn’t want to erroneously implicate someone else. When she miraculously wakes after having been pronounced dead she faces an uncertain future with steadfast determination.
The entire first half of the book is a steady increase in tension in all its forms. The stakes are high, danger looms, and a mercurial sapphic romance forms to further destabilize Lillian’s hold on her own life.
As the title indicates there’s a “second death” of sorts in the story and it was around that time where I felt the plot became a little more tenuous. Parts of that story seemed a little outlandish, but very, extremely, entertaining!
Overall, I appreciated all the historical detail underpinning the gothic vibes of this story. From the darkened corners of glittering ballrooms to sunlight on a desolate marsh, this book has vibes for days. Little details in attire, food, even streets and vendors brought antebellum Charleston, South Carolina to life. The tragedy of slavery and the abolitionist movement are hold a place in this story and I felt like that was done well.
The epilogue was also fantastic. I think this is one I will read again!
I was intrigued by the synopsis, rife with murder, resurrection and secrets of many kinds. This book delivers on family secrets, historical detail, rage, vengeance, grief, hope, and a thunderous climax.
This book is great for dark family secrets, hidden identities, gothic mysteries, vampire hysteria, historical fiction set in the antebellum South, stories of women’s fortitude, and sapphic romance.
Lillian Carmichael is a sympathetic main character with a good moral compass and trapped by horrible circumstances. Sentenced to hang for a murder she didn’t commit, she forgoes a chance to exonerated herself because she doesn’t want to erroneously implicate someone else. When she miraculously wakes after having been pronounced dead she faces an uncertain future with steadfast determination.
The entire first half of the book is a steady increase in tension in all its forms. The stakes are high, danger looms, and a mercurial sapphic romance forms to further destabilize Lillian’s hold on her own life.
As the title indicates there’s a “second death” of sorts in the story and it was around that time where I felt the plot became a little more tenuous. Parts of that story seemed a little outlandish, but very, extremely, entertaining!
Overall, I appreciated all the historical detail underpinning the gothic vibes of this story. From the darkened corners of glittering ballrooms to sunlight on a desolate marsh, this book has vibes for days. Little details in attire, food, even streets and vendors brought antebellum Charleston, South Carolina to life. The tragedy of slavery and the abolitionist movement are hold a place in this story and I felt like that was done well.
The epilogue was also fantastic. I think this is one I will read again!
February 15, 2026
A fast-paced Southern Gothic with a surprise side of Romance!
*
The Two Deaths of Lillian Carmichael (out March 10) is a historical gothic thriller set in 1853 Charleston. It follows the main character who survives her own hanging, is buried alive, and must reinvent herself.. all while mysterious exsanguination murders plague the city..
*
Overall this was a fast-paced and exciting read. The constant motion kept me hooked throughout. I did feel that this short novel was overcrowded with different twists and concepts. So much so that each new plot point may have needed another 50-100 pages to flesh out a bit. Without that, the twists didn’t feel like twists so much as they just felt.. random. Hodgepodge. Especially as the story gains momentum, and at the very end when everything is revealed. I also loved all the obvious historic commentary, the extensive research that went into this book. One of the most enjoyable parts is the Afterward from the author! Again, this is where I feel like this book could have been a lot more. Like a few hundred pages more. I would like getting a glimpse into some aspect of the plot or historical setting, only to get whiplash and move on to the next thing.
The shortcomings of the characters might be a “me thing,” one of our main characters is an actor and we do a lot of “playing at other characters” stuff. I never quite believed the authenticity of this character. Maybe that’s the point, as she is play acting at these different personalities. But for me it added to a lack of character connection and the feeling that we were just jumping around from one thing to another without exploring anything in depth. Though this was a near miss for me, I wouldn’t discourage you from picking it up if you’re looking for sapphic romance, historical fiction, or women in hiding / on the run!
*
The Two Deaths of Lillian Carmichael (out March 10) is a historical gothic thriller set in 1853 Charleston. It follows the main character who survives her own hanging, is buried alive, and must reinvent herself.. all while mysterious exsanguination murders plague the city..
*
Overall this was a fast-paced and exciting read. The constant motion kept me hooked throughout. I did feel that this short novel was overcrowded with different twists and concepts. So much so that each new plot point may have needed another 50-100 pages to flesh out a bit. Without that, the twists didn’t feel like twists so much as they just felt.. random. Hodgepodge. Especially as the story gains momentum, and at the very end when everything is revealed. I also loved all the obvious historic commentary, the extensive research that went into this book. One of the most enjoyable parts is the Afterward from the author! Again, this is where I feel like this book could have been a lot more. Like a few hundred pages more. I would like getting a glimpse into some aspect of the plot or historical setting, only to get whiplash and move on to the next thing.
The shortcomings of the characters might be a “me thing,” one of our main characters is an actor and we do a lot of “playing at other characters” stuff. I never quite believed the authenticity of this character. Maybe that’s the point, as she is play acting at these different personalities. But for me it added to a lack of character connection and the feeling that we were just jumping around from one thing to another without exploring anything in depth. Though this was a near miss for me, I wouldn’t discourage you from picking it up if you’re looking for sapphic romance, historical fiction, or women in hiding / on the run!
November 16, 2025
"If Rebecca was a wild rose, I am a thistle. Hardened by life. Bitter and sharp. But thistles are also strong. Resilient."
Another gripping and incisive southern gothic from Paulette Kennedy! The Two Deaths of Lillian Carmichael is a tale of survival on the fringes, plunging the reader headfirst into the lowcountry salt marshes of Charleston—every page feels steeped in mud, memory, and the quiet threat of something (or someone) watching from just beyond the reeds.
At its heart, this is a story about survivors. The book opens with high intensity as our FMC Lillian faces down her death at the gallows. She is vilified and ostracized by her town and family, the reasons for which are slowly unveiled as the narrative unfolds. Kennedy’s portrayal of “monstrous” women was one of my favorite things about this book. She asks us to consider who we call monstrous, who benefits from that label, and how power defines the boundaries of what is considered monstrous in the first place. I won’t give spoilers, but the exploration of survival and the monsters that walk among us was beautifully done.
This is the perfect read for fans of Alexis Henderson, blending House of Hunger’s bloody (and sapphic) sensuality with An Academy for Liars’ atmospheric tension and exploration of marginalization. Through the vampiric elements of the story, Kennedy draws a sharp contrast between those who drain others—emotionally and literally—and those who have learned to survive by any means necessary. She uses this dynamic to explore the vampires in our own lives: the people, systems, and expectations that quietly consume. It’s an incisive, unsettling, and ultimately empowering look at what happens when someone refuses to be devoured.
Five stars—a highly thought-provoking read!
Another gripping and incisive southern gothic from Paulette Kennedy! The Two Deaths of Lillian Carmichael is a tale of survival on the fringes, plunging the reader headfirst into the lowcountry salt marshes of Charleston—every page feels steeped in mud, memory, and the quiet threat of something (or someone) watching from just beyond the reeds.
At its heart, this is a story about survivors. The book opens with high intensity as our FMC Lillian faces down her death at the gallows. She is vilified and ostracized by her town and family, the reasons for which are slowly unveiled as the narrative unfolds. Kennedy’s portrayal of “monstrous” women was one of my favorite things about this book. She asks us to consider who we call monstrous, who benefits from that label, and how power defines the boundaries of what is considered monstrous in the first place. I won’t give spoilers, but the exploration of survival and the monsters that walk among us was beautifully done.
This is the perfect read for fans of Alexis Henderson, blending House of Hunger’s bloody (and sapphic) sensuality with An Academy for Liars’ atmospheric tension and exploration of marginalization. Through the vampiric elements of the story, Kennedy draws a sharp contrast between those who drain others—emotionally and literally—and those who have learned to survive by any means necessary. She uses this dynamic to explore the vampires in our own lives: the people, systems, and expectations that quietly consume. It’s an incisive, unsettling, and ultimately empowering look at what happens when someone refuses to be devoured.
Five stars—a highly thought-provoking read!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Two Deaths of Lillian Carmichael is set in South Carolina in the 1850s. It begins with Lillian in jail facing the death sentence given her for the jealous-motivated murder of her sister who had stolen Lillian’s fiancé. Lillian’s death is declared after she fell into a catatonic state and she is buried alive. Upon escaping from her casket, Lillian sets about surviving on the streets while staying hidden and while avoiding an active serial killer for whose actions Lillian is being blamed.
The story progresses to the new relationships that Lillian develops, specifically one in which she falls in love despite questioning her ability to fully trust the person. Lillian’s struggle to balance her sense of survival and obligation to her family while being consumed by a love affair that has shown her what it feels like to experience deep desire and the sense of being important to another person, sometimes leaving her questioning if she traded one prison for another in the form of this protective lover.
I was engaged and enthralled by this book as well as with the thoughts that Lillian found herself wrestling with throughout the different situations she found herself. The characters were so beautifully crafted, and one in particular that Lillian was curious and frightened by, I found myself reacting similarly - he was so well described and written. Also like Lillian, I, too, kept wondering who could be trusted all the way to the very end of the book.
I have enjoyed other books of Paulette Kennedy’s and this one is my favorite so far.
The opinions expressed here are my own.
Thank you so much to @NetGalley and @LakeUnionPublishing for making this book available to me.
The story progresses to the new relationships that Lillian develops, specifically one in which she falls in love despite questioning her ability to fully trust the person. Lillian’s struggle to balance her sense of survival and obligation to her family while being consumed by a love affair that has shown her what it feels like to experience deep desire and the sense of being important to another person, sometimes leaving her questioning if she traded one prison for another in the form of this protective lover.
I was engaged and enthralled by this book as well as with the thoughts that Lillian found herself wrestling with throughout the different situations she found herself. The characters were so beautifully crafted, and one in particular that Lillian was curious and frightened by, I found myself reacting similarly - he was so well described and written. Also like Lillian, I, too, kept wondering who could be trusted all the way to the very end of the book.
I have enjoyed other books of Paulette Kennedy’s and this one is my favorite so far.
The opinions expressed here are my own.
Thank you so much to @NetGalley and @LakeUnionPublishing for making this book available to me.
January 14, 2026
Actual rating: 3.5/5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing an E-ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
It’s 1853 in South Carolina and Lillian Carmichael has been convicted of her sister’s murder. After collapsing on her way to the gallows and then buried alive, she awakes days later to escape and reinvest herself. She runs into trouble when a series of murders plaques the town, and she is the lead suspect and easy scapegoat. She finds her way to a crumbling plantation and forms an alliance with another woman to fight for her freedom and clear her name.
What an atmospheric and historically rich book! Kennedy did a great job setting up the story with vivid descriptions and a mysterious gothic tension. I did enjoy the first half of the book more because of those reasons, as I was actively rooting for Lillian and didn’t know what she would do next. Kate was equally a unique character, and I enjoyed her compelling and enigmatic presence.
However, the novel began to lose momentum for me toward the latter half. As the mystery unfolded, I found myself piecing together the answers well before the protagonist did, which lessened the overall impact. Some elements of the mystery also felt forced, as though they existed more to maintain suspense than to serve the natural progression of the story or deepen character development. While the atmosphere remained strong, the ending felt rushed compared to the beginnings of the story.
I would recommend this for readers who enjoyed Thirst by Mariana Yuszczuk and love historically rich books paired with strong female protagonists.
The Two Deaths of Lillan Carmichael comes out March 10, 2026 by Lake Union Publishing.
Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing an E-ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
It’s 1853 in South Carolina and Lillian Carmichael has been convicted of her sister’s murder. After collapsing on her way to the gallows and then buried alive, she awakes days later to escape and reinvest herself. She runs into trouble when a series of murders plaques the town, and she is the lead suspect and easy scapegoat. She finds her way to a crumbling plantation and forms an alliance with another woman to fight for her freedom and clear her name.
What an atmospheric and historically rich book! Kennedy did a great job setting up the story with vivid descriptions and a mysterious gothic tension. I did enjoy the first half of the book more because of those reasons, as I was actively rooting for Lillian and didn’t know what she would do next. Kate was equally a unique character, and I enjoyed her compelling and enigmatic presence.
However, the novel began to lose momentum for me toward the latter half. As the mystery unfolded, I found myself piecing together the answers well before the protagonist did, which lessened the overall impact. Some elements of the mystery also felt forced, as though they existed more to maintain suspense than to serve the natural progression of the story or deepen character development. While the atmosphere remained strong, the ending felt rushed compared to the beginnings of the story.
I would recommend this for readers who enjoyed Thirst by Mariana Yuszczuk and love historically rich books paired with strong female protagonists.
The Two Deaths of Lillan Carmichael comes out March 10, 2026 by Lake Union Publishing.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Lillian Carmichael faces the hangman’s noose after she is accused of killing her sister. Death doesn’t seem permanent as she awakens in the family mausoleum and escapes. Unfortunately, at the same time, murders occur throughout the city. As she tries to distance herself from her past, her tomb is found empty and rumors begin to spread that she must be a vampire killing citizens. Hiding out, she forms an unlikely alliance and romance with Kate O’Malley. The two plot to save Lillian from her grim fate and confront the past she wanted to leave behind.
I absolutely flew through this. There is something absolutely addicting about Paulette Kennedy’s writing and her story-telling that keeps me glued to the pages. We follow Lillian but we also get some excerpts from A Vampire’s Diary. Each entry added tension to the story; I only wish there had been more. About halfway, I started to struggle a little bit. A few months ago, I had read a certain book by Sarah Waters and several passages of this story put me back into that novel. Now there is nothing wrong with that, and Paulette definitely had her own spin on it, but it was a bit frustrating because I wanted the plot to move forward so I could find out what was happening involving the murders. Unfortunately, I think there was too much focus on the romance, especially when it didn’t do much for the plot. It’s clear Paulette did so much research for this book and I wish more of those elements had been more in the forefront of the story. In the end, I really liked the path Lillian chose and where it ultimately ended.
While this was not my favorite, I will still read everything Paulette Kennedy writes and I will always highly recommend The Devil and Mrs. Davenport.
I absolutely flew through this. There is something absolutely addicting about Paulette Kennedy’s writing and her story-telling that keeps me glued to the pages. We follow Lillian but we also get some excerpts from A Vampire’s Diary. Each entry added tension to the story; I only wish there had been more. About halfway, I started to struggle a little bit. A few months ago, I had read a certain book by Sarah Waters and several passages of this story put me back into that novel. Now there is nothing wrong with that, and Paulette definitely had her own spin on it, but it was a bit frustrating because I wanted the plot to move forward so I could find out what was happening involving the murders. Unfortunately, I think there was too much focus on the romance, especially when it didn’t do much for the plot. It’s clear Paulette did so much research for this book and I wish more of those elements had been more in the forefront of the story. In the end, I really liked the path Lillian chose and where it ultimately ended.
While this was not my favorite, I will still read everything Paulette Kennedy writes and I will always highly recommend The Devil and Mrs. Davenport.
October 30, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Paulette Kennedy for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Mild spoilers follow.
——-
There was a lot to love about this book— takes place in pre-Civil War Charleston and follows a woman in her early 20s after she was accused of murdering her twin sister and sentenced to death. In an unlikely turn of events, she ends up being left for dead and escapes a coffin—all in the first 30 or so pages, and then we’re off—following her as she has to learn to survive on her own.
At the same time, a potential vampire is stalking the area and murdering young women—and people think it might be her, back from the dead. It’s mysterious, super twisty, and a bit dark.
However:
Something about the execution of this story left me wanting more. I couldn’t figure out where it was going, but more in a “what’s the point of this” way and not in a well-built thriller way. There felt like too many loose threads to pull on, and while I did enjoy the ending, I felt it was all a little fast and not quite earned by the rest of the book. I think this could have benefitted from using a few of the ending reveals throughout the book to lead to the big reveal.
Mild spoiler: I also couldn’t quite tell from reading the book what the genre was—if the vampire was real and this had a fantasy bend to it, or if it was a thriller with vampire-esque murders. I found that kind of frustrating, but others may not.
Overall, 3.5 stars. A fun, quick read that is worth picking up.
——-
There was a lot to love about this book— takes place in pre-Civil War Charleston and follows a woman in her early 20s after she was accused of murdering her twin sister and sentenced to death. In an unlikely turn of events, she ends up being left for dead and escapes a coffin—all in the first 30 or so pages, and then we’re off—following her as she has to learn to survive on her own.
At the same time, a potential vampire is stalking the area and murdering young women—and people think it might be her, back from the dead. It’s mysterious, super twisty, and a bit dark.
However:
Something about the execution of this story left me wanting more. I couldn’t figure out where it was going, but more in a “what’s the point of this” way and not in a well-built thriller way. There felt like too many loose threads to pull on, and while I did enjoy the ending, I felt it was all a little fast and not quite earned by the rest of the book. I think this could have benefitted from using a few of the ending reveals throughout the book to lead to the big reveal.
Mild spoiler: I also couldn’t quite tell from reading the book what the genre was—if the vampire was real and this had a fantasy bend to it, or if it was a thriller with vampire-esque murders. I found that kind of frustrating, but others may not.
Overall, 3.5 stars. A fun, quick read that is worth picking up.
November 3, 2025
** ARC Review **
The Two Deaths of Lillian Carmichael had all the elements for a thrilling gothic mystery, but it ultimately landed as an "okay" read for me. The premise is fantastic: a young woman in 1853 Charleston, convicted of her sister's murder, is declared dead after a catatonic episode on her way to the gallows, only to wake up buried alive and escape into the marshes. This initial setup is incredibly tense and immediately hooks the reader.
The novel excels in its atmospheric descriptions of the antebellum South and the Charleston low-country. Kennedy's writing is vivid, transporting you to a world of decaying mansions, Spanish moss, and hushed secrets. The mystery surrounding the real killer and the superstitions about a "vampiric" Lillian is intriguing and kept me turning the pages.
However, the execution had a few fumbles. The pacing felt a bit uneven in the middle section. While the gothic elements were present, I felt they were occasionally overshadowed by some less-developed subplots, particularly a nascent romance that didn't fully land for me and seemed a little unnecessary to the main thrust of the story. Additionally, I found some of the character motivations a bit opaque at times, which made it harder to fully invest in their plights.
Overall, it's an enjoyable historical mystery with some genuinely suspenseful moments and a great sense of place. It's a solid read if you enjoy Southern Gothic, but it didn't quite live up to its full potential for a truly gripping, five-star experience.
The Two Deaths of Lillian Carmichael had all the elements for a thrilling gothic mystery, but it ultimately landed as an "okay" read for me. The premise is fantastic: a young woman in 1853 Charleston, convicted of her sister's murder, is declared dead after a catatonic episode on her way to the gallows, only to wake up buried alive and escape into the marshes. This initial setup is incredibly tense and immediately hooks the reader.
The novel excels in its atmospheric descriptions of the antebellum South and the Charleston low-country. Kennedy's writing is vivid, transporting you to a world of decaying mansions, Spanish moss, and hushed secrets. The mystery surrounding the real killer and the superstitions about a "vampiric" Lillian is intriguing and kept me turning the pages.
However, the execution had a few fumbles. The pacing felt a bit uneven in the middle section. While the gothic elements were present, I felt they were occasionally overshadowed by some less-developed subplots, particularly a nascent romance that didn't fully land for me and seemed a little unnecessary to the main thrust of the story. Additionally, I found some of the character motivations a bit opaque at times, which made it harder to fully invest in their plights.
Overall, it's an enjoyable historical mystery with some genuinely suspenseful moments and a great sense of place. It's a solid read if you enjoy Southern Gothic, but it didn't quite live up to its full potential for a truly gripping, five-star experience.
January 12, 2026
When I was browsing Netgally’s read now I list, this book caught my interest because the title reminds me of The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle. But when I read the description I got more curious because the premises of the book says it’s a historical gothic, superstitions and murder and I really want to explore more genre for my reading journey this year.
First part of the book, I was really enjoying it. The mystery surrounding Lillian Carmichael and her family, especially her sister, is intriguing and that wanted me to read more. It got more interested when Lillian died and then awakens days later. But after that good start, the story lost its spark. The pacing became so slow and I feel like some of the scenes was unnecessary and not really significant to the story. Sometimes I feel so lost at was what happening.
I also don’t understand what’s the purpose of the killer’s POV and why it’s titled as the “Vampire’s Diary”. I believe the POV was there to add more mystery to the story but I just got confused and I feel like giving it that title feels forced like the author is really forcing the readers to believe it’s a vampire or something else. It kind of throw off the mystery aspect of the story. After about 30% I just skimmed through the pages. The story picks up again maybe about 70-80% in when secrets are being revealed. And after that everything just felt rushed. Especially the very end and the epilogue.
Still, thank you to NetGalley for the arc copy of the book!
First part of the book, I was really enjoying it. The mystery surrounding Lillian Carmichael and her family, especially her sister, is intriguing and that wanted me to read more. It got more interested when Lillian died and then awakens days later. But after that good start, the story lost its spark. The pacing became so slow and I feel like some of the scenes was unnecessary and not really significant to the story. Sometimes I feel so lost at was what happening.
I also don’t understand what’s the purpose of the killer’s POV and why it’s titled as the “Vampire’s Diary”. I believe the POV was there to add more mystery to the story but I just got confused and I feel like giving it that title feels forced like the author is really forcing the readers to believe it’s a vampire or something else. It kind of throw off the mystery aspect of the story. After about 30% I just skimmed through the pages. The story picks up again maybe about 70-80% in when secrets are being revealed. And after that everything just felt rushed. Especially the very end and the epilogue.
Still, thank you to NetGalley for the arc copy of the book!
February 27, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for the advanced audio book in exchange for an honest review!
I really loved Paulette Kennedy's book The Devil and Mrs. Davenport when I read it last year and then went to read her other recent release The Artist of Blackberry Grange. I like Paulette's style of writing and her stories tend to focus on a FMC who needs to find herself in some way or redeem herself and that drives the story forward as we follow her through the story. Her strongest book so far in my opinion is The Devil and Mrs. Davenport and while I enjoyed The Artist it didn't quite pack the punch I was hoping for but I did enjoy the story overall. Kennedy writes historic horror/ thriller in such a descriptive way that puts you right in that moment of time- very descriptive in lush detail. Having read those two previously, I was really excited to get an early audio on her latest release.
In Lillian Carmichael we are set in the deep south of Charleston, South Carolina in 1853 and we do get an FMC who is quite literally at the end of her rope.. she is about to be executed for the murder of her own sister. This is where we begin and it is an anxious and harrowing beginning to this story. I loved the setting, the time period and the plot had a lot going for it. The story took some turns I was not expecting and there was more spice in this novel! Not a bad thing! Just wasn't expecting it! Overall I enjoyed this southern gothic mystery and it was a solid book. The audio itself was done well although the narrator's southern drawl was a bit slow so speeding up the audio was necessary for me. 3.25 Stars for The Two Deaths of Lillian Carmichael
I really loved Paulette Kennedy's book The Devil and Mrs. Davenport when I read it last year and then went to read her other recent release The Artist of Blackberry Grange. I like Paulette's style of writing and her stories tend to focus on a FMC who needs to find herself in some way or redeem herself and that drives the story forward as we follow her through the story. Her strongest book so far in my opinion is The Devil and Mrs. Davenport and while I enjoyed The Artist it didn't quite pack the punch I was hoping for but I did enjoy the story overall. Kennedy writes historic horror/ thriller in such a descriptive way that puts you right in that moment of time- very descriptive in lush detail. Having read those two previously, I was really excited to get an early audio on her latest release.
In Lillian Carmichael we are set in the deep south of Charleston, South Carolina in 1853 and we do get an FMC who is quite literally at the end of her rope.. she is about to be executed for the murder of her own sister. This is where we begin and it is an anxious and harrowing beginning to this story. I loved the setting, the time period and the plot had a lot going for it. The story took some turns I was not expecting and there was more spice in this novel! Not a bad thing! Just wasn't expecting it! Overall I enjoyed this southern gothic mystery and it was a solid book. The audio itself was done well although the narrator's southern drawl was a bit slow so speeding up the audio was necessary for me. 3.25 Stars for The Two Deaths of Lillian Carmichael
November 12, 2025
The reader meets Lillian as she is imprisoned and about to be hanged for the murder of her sister. She knows who really killed her sister but feels compelled to protect the murderer out of a strong sense of loyalty, and so accepts her fate. On the way to the gallows, Lillian collapses and is proclaimed dead after no heartbeat or breathing is detected. Later, she awakens in terror and finds herself placed inside a casket in the family crypt. Lillian escapes and is now on the run, from her former life and the rumours that she is undead - a vampire feeding by night on local young women and leaving them for dead. How will she survive and reclaim her life? And will the real murderer ever be brought to justice?
I think we can all agree that this is a great set-up for a dark gothic novel and I certainly found Lillian's predicament compelling. She is surrounded by treacherous men who fail her in every possible way, yet her strength and determination help her to survive in the marshes. However the direction the novel took with a superfluous open door romance and the theatrically over-the-top resolution didn't quite work for me. It almost felt like the first half and second half of the novel were two different stories. It just wasn't what I was expecting to read. If you are looking for a gothic psychological thriller with a sapphic romance and some explicit content, then you will probably enjoy this novel.
I think we can all agree that this is a great set-up for a dark gothic novel and I certainly found Lillian's predicament compelling. She is surrounded by treacherous men who fail her in every possible way, yet her strength and determination help her to survive in the marshes. However the direction the novel took with a superfluous open door romance and the theatrically over-the-top resolution didn't quite work for me. It almost felt like the first half and second half of the novel were two different stories. It just wasn't what I was expecting to read. If you are looking for a gothic psychological thriller with a sapphic romance and some explicit content, then you will probably enjoy this novel.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Disclosure Statement: I received an ARC of this novel from the author. My thoughts and opinions have not been influenced by either the author or the publisher in any way.
Paulette Kennedy is an autobuy author for me, and I've yet to read a bad book from her. But if I loved her previous books, I don't know what word to use to describe my enthusiasm for The Two Deaths of Lillian Carmichael. My adoration for this book is profound. It is pulpy, melodramatic, spicy, and just plain rapturous through and through, with a story that feels distinctly mature in its themes while still being every bit as bonkers as I'd expect from a classical Gothic.
It's a story about freedom, at its core, and about escape. It's also about agency and authority, about love and lust, about power and predation. Set in the antebellum South, and is deeply abolitionist in its core, but still thoroughly centered on the feminist themes present in all of Kennedy's work. There is no aspect of this book that I don't love, and its abolitionist roots feed into the broader themes of freedom the book wants to explore, especially as it pertains to liberty and liberation at an individual level.
Honestly, if Paulette never writes another book, this is my favorite one. But I suspect she's only getting started on this chapter of her career, and good lord am I looking forward to what she's got in the tank.
Paulette Kennedy is an autobuy author for me, and I've yet to read a bad book from her. But if I loved her previous books, I don't know what word to use to describe my enthusiasm for The Two Deaths of Lillian Carmichael. My adoration for this book is profound. It is pulpy, melodramatic, spicy, and just plain rapturous through and through, with a story that feels distinctly mature in its themes while still being every bit as bonkers as I'd expect from a classical Gothic.
It's a story about freedom, at its core, and about escape. It's also about agency and authority, about love and lust, about power and predation. Set in the antebellum South, and is deeply abolitionist in its core, but still thoroughly centered on the feminist themes present in all of Kennedy's work. There is no aspect of this book that I don't love, and its abolitionist roots feed into the broader themes of freedom the book wants to explore, especially as it pertains to liberty and liberation at an individual level.
Honestly, if Paulette never writes another book, this is my favorite one. But I suspect she's only getting started on this chapter of her career, and good lord am I looking forward to what she's got in the tank.
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