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My Darling Girls: A Novel
Not yet published
Expected 20 Oct 26In 1904 Chicago, where secrets cling as thickly as the soot on every windowsill, Jo earns her living by photographing the dead. The work is quiet and cloistered, allowing her to hide from a past that haunts the grief over her husband’s mysterious death, a spiraling addiction, and the guilt she carries over the things she’s done to survive.
When a notorious crime family hires Jo to make a final portrait of their daughter Millie, it stirs up a spirit that refuses to rest. In opium-fueled dreams, Millie lures Jo into a realm called “the courtyard,” where the dead burn to tell her their half-finished stories.
As Jo investigates Millie’s murder, she forms a fragile bond with her sister, Grace, who’s desperate for an escape of her own. Amid the whispers of the dead is a truth Jo must confront if she is to free them all from the shadows of the past.
When a notorious crime family hires Jo to make a final portrait of their daughter Millie, it stirs up a spirit that refuses to rest. In opium-fueled dreams, Millie lures Jo into a realm called “the courtyard,” where the dead burn to tell her their half-finished stories.
As Jo investigates Millie’s murder, she forms a fragile bond with her sister, Grace, who’s desperate for an escape of her own. Amid the whispers of the dead is a truth Jo must confront if she is to free them all from the shadows of the past.
251 pages, Paperback
Expected publication October 20, 2026
About the author
Marina Scott
6 books90 followersFind me on Twitter and Insta. Also, you can find me here: marinascott.com
Marina Scott was born and raised behind the Iron Curtain in Vilnius, Lithuania. She graduated from a local university with a Master's degree in library science, but a short stint in a Soviet library changed her mind about being a librarian in the U.S.S.R. She immigrated to the United States in 2000 and now resides in Salt Lake City.
THE HUNGER BETWEEN US, is out November 1, 2022 with Macmillan/FSG.
Marina Scott was born and raised behind the Iron Curtain in Vilnius, Lithuania. She graduated from a local university with a Master's degree in library science, but a short stint in a Soviet library changed her mind about being a librarian in the U.S.S.R. She immigrated to the United States in 2000 and now resides in Salt Lake City.
THE HUNGER BETWEEN US, is out November 1, 2022 with Macmillan/FSG.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
March 27, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this advance copy a chance to read and review.
Enjoyable story with good character building. A littler mystery, a little supernatural. Emotional and sad at times with some heart warming moments as well.
Enjoyable story with good character building. A littler mystery, a little supernatural. Emotional and sad at times with some heart warming moments as well.
March 30, 2026
I loved Scott’s previous book, so I was really looking forward to this one—and I’m happy to say it didn’t disappoint. If you enjoy gloomy, dark, supernatural mysteries with a touch of romance and family drama, you’ll love "My Darling Girls." While reading, I kept thinking that this novel needs to be adapted for the screen. Set in turn-of-the-century Chicago, the story explores the struggles of women at the time, and many of the themes still feel surprisingly relevant today.
March 22, 2026
3.5 stars
This book explores a gripping and dark story about a post mortem photographer set in 1904. The initial description caught my immediate attention and left me wanting to unravel the story. After the mysterious death of her husband, Jo continues his work as a photographer, but rather than photographing the living, she photographs the dead, which was not an uncommon practice that occurred within the Edwardian times. And on top of this Jo is able to communicate with and see the dead, giving the story a cool and dark side to the plot unraveling. I enjoyed learning and understanding this side of photography told through such a dark and gothic manner.
Jo is hired by a well known crime family to photograph their daughter Millie who tragically passed away. However, Jo comes to realise that Millie’s death may have been more than just a sickness which took her life. Jo gets brought into another realm through the use of opium which she uses to help her sleep, and comes across the Millie who cannot rest or leave this space in the realm known as the ‘courtyard’, where the dead linger until they are able to accept and reflect on their life in order to move on, Millie refuses to leave this place until she knows who was the cause of her death. Asking Jo to help her uncover the truth.
As Jo begins to unravel the events that led to Millie’s death she forms a close bond with Grace, Millie’s sister who is living in her own silent prison which Jo wishes to release her from and save her. As Jo also has known what it is like to feel trapped, as the story also explores Jo’s past and her memories coming to light in order for her to move on.
Jo’s journey through facing the ghosts of her past as she seeks to finally be released from her past that haunts her and to seek a future that for once is her own.
The story explores the processing of grief, redemption and escaping from the past that haunts you. The story shines light on the women and girls in this story who are trapped unable to have freedom and wish to make a life for their own.
I felt the relationship between Jo and Finn the man who first seeks her out to help photograph Millie was too fast paced at the beginning and I felt lacked more of an emotional build up to make sense of their dynamic.
The story comes with an enlightening twist towards the end that causes you to realise you cannot always trust the narrator of the story.
This story felt very atmospheric, dark and a gripping tale. Even though there was multiple different timelines and plots within plots occurring the structure and writing was done well that enabled me to keep track and piece all the pieces together.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC and explore this story.
And I look forward to when this book is released.
This book explores a gripping and dark story about a post mortem photographer set in 1904. The initial description caught my immediate attention and left me wanting to unravel the story. After the mysterious death of her husband, Jo continues his work as a photographer, but rather than photographing the living, she photographs the dead, which was not an uncommon practice that occurred within the Edwardian times. And on top of this Jo is able to communicate with and see the dead, giving the story a cool and dark side to the plot unraveling. I enjoyed learning and understanding this side of photography told through such a dark and gothic manner.
Jo is hired by a well known crime family to photograph their daughter Millie who tragically passed away. However, Jo comes to realise that Millie’s death may have been more than just a sickness which took her life. Jo gets brought into another realm through the use of opium which she uses to help her sleep, and comes across the Millie who cannot rest or leave this space in the realm known as the ‘courtyard’, where the dead linger until they are able to accept and reflect on their life in order to move on, Millie refuses to leave this place until she knows who was the cause of her death. Asking Jo to help her uncover the truth.
As Jo begins to unravel the events that led to Millie’s death she forms a close bond with Grace, Millie’s sister who is living in her own silent prison which Jo wishes to release her from and save her. As Jo also has known what it is like to feel trapped, as the story also explores Jo’s past and her memories coming to light in order for her to move on.
Jo’s journey through facing the ghosts of her past as she seeks to finally be released from her past that haunts her and to seek a future that for once is her own.
The story explores the processing of grief, redemption and escaping from the past that haunts you. The story shines light on the women and girls in this story who are trapped unable to have freedom and wish to make a life for their own.
I felt the relationship between Jo and Finn the man who first seeks her out to help photograph Millie was too fast paced at the beginning and I felt lacked more of an emotional build up to make sense of their dynamic.
The story comes with an enlightening twist towards the end that causes you to realise you cannot always trust the narrator of the story.
This story felt very atmospheric, dark and a gripping tale. Even though there was multiple different timelines and plots within plots occurring the structure and writing was done well that enabled me to keep track and piece all the pieces together.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC and explore this story.
And I look forward to when this book is released.
March 16, 2026
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC.
My Darling Girls by Marina Scott explores a dark and unusual premise centered around postmortem photography, which immediately caught my attention. Set against a historical backdrop, the novel follows Jo, a photographer who takes portraits of the dead—a practice that was not uncommon in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The eerie concept, combined with the supernatural element of Jo being able to communicate with the deceased, gives the story a unique starting point.
The book moves between timelines, gradually weaving together past and present to reveal the full mystery. I appreciated how the narrative slowly built layers around Jo’s life and the secrets surrounding her. The exploration of memory, grief, and forgiveness added emotional depth to the story, especially as Jo begins confronting parts of her past while trying to uncover the truth behind a murder.
That said, while the premise was intriguing and the atmosphere was strong, the pacing and character interactions didn’t always fully land for me. Some moments felt slightly awkward or uneven, which occasionally pulled me out of the story. Still, the originality of the topic and the unfolding mystery kept me interested enough to see how everything would connect.
Overall, My Darling Girls is an interesting historical mystery with a very distinctive concept. While it didn’t completely work for me in every aspect, the unique subject matter and layered storytelling make it a worthwhile read for those who enjoy darker historical fiction with a supernatural twist.
My Darling Girls by Marina Scott explores a dark and unusual premise centered around postmortem photography, which immediately caught my attention. Set against a historical backdrop, the novel follows Jo, a photographer who takes portraits of the dead—a practice that was not uncommon in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The eerie concept, combined with the supernatural element of Jo being able to communicate with the deceased, gives the story a unique starting point.
The book moves between timelines, gradually weaving together past and present to reveal the full mystery. I appreciated how the narrative slowly built layers around Jo’s life and the secrets surrounding her. The exploration of memory, grief, and forgiveness added emotional depth to the story, especially as Jo begins confronting parts of her past while trying to uncover the truth behind a murder.
That said, while the premise was intriguing and the atmosphere was strong, the pacing and character interactions didn’t always fully land for me. Some moments felt slightly awkward or uneven, which occasionally pulled me out of the story. Still, the originality of the topic and the unfolding mystery kept me interested enough to see how everything would connect.
Overall, My Darling Girls is an interesting historical mystery with a very distinctive concept. While it didn’t completely work for me in every aspect, the unique subject matter and layered storytelling make it a worthwhile read for those who enjoy darker historical fiction with a supernatural twist.
March 21, 2026
The premise of the book caught my attention. I love photography, but taking these unique pictures and possibly connecting beyond this world is haunting.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
My Darling Girls is set in Chicago in 1904 as Jo’s life takes a massive turn when her husband, August, is murdered, and she is left to take care of his photography business all on her own. To cope with the grief and stress, Jo becomes addicted to opium, which causes her to see and speak to ghosts. Despite her difficulties, Jo continues her photography work, this time on the dead, being a postmortem photographer for whatever price she needs to survive. One night Jo is hired by an infamous mafia family to photograph their daughter, Millie, who had passed away from a sudden illness. What should have been an easy job for Jo quickly spirals as Jo realises Millie is the girl she had been seeing in her opium induced dreams, and there might have been sinister circumstances behind her death. To help Millie’s soul rest in the afterlife, Jo must find out who murdered her, and to do so she must also confront her past and her own ghosts; however, this won’t be an easy task.
To remedy that I do feel like the book could have been slightly longer with more chapters dedicated fully to the development of relationships, or there could be no romance plot, as it is everything else that made this book so interesting to me. As I said, the photography plot was very interesting, and I do wish that was also been explored a bit further, just like the horror and gothic elements.
As Jo weaves through her new responsibility, she strikes a friendship with Millie’s sister, Grace, who is eager to escape her current circumstances. In Grace, Jo sees a reflection of her own past life, which we come to uncover slowly throughout the story. Jo also gets close to Finn, Millie’s cousin, and this forces Jo to allow herself to grieve her late husband and her past lover.
This story has many horror and gothic elements, which really find a way of keeping you hooked, and you will not be able to set the book down. The plot moves at a fast pace so you will always feel like you just need to know what happens next.
It touches on subjects such as grief, domestic violence, addiction and death, and it does so in a very well-structured and clear way. As it is set in 1904, it also explores the circumstances that women had to go through to be able to just get by, and Jo feels like a collective voice of all the women who had to be strong for themselves.
As a character Jo is compassionate and empathetic, but it is clear from very early on in the narrative that she is not a reliable narrator. Not only is she constantly in opium induced delusions, but she also has her own dark secrets that we are not privy to until the last few chapters of the book. She is very strong and will do whatever it takes to help Millie and Grace with no self-interest.
The photography element of the story is also very interesting, and I like how it was woven with more ghoulish elements (Jo often sees the dead people come alive through her camera) and how it was used to bring Jo and Grace together.
There are two different timelines throughout the story as to help Millie, Jo has to have a trip to her memories and revisit the most painful and dark ones, and this is how we find out about Jo’s life prior to the events taking place. I sometimes find that using two timelines, when not done well, can make the narrative very confusing and disjointed; however, this was not the case at all as all the ‘past’ chapters were relevant to the events of the ‘present’ timeline.
The environment of the book is very heavy, dark and sooty, and this works well with the horror and gothic elements of the narrative, bringing it all together and making it all even more chilling.
The only issue I felt when reading this book was the dialogue. A lot of them felt awkward or unrealistic. While I enjoyed the friendship Jo has with Grace, it feels like relationships in the book were a bit rushed and forced, particularly the one Jo has with Finn. Because there is so much happening with the story, I do feel like these relationships were not explored very deeply, and instead, we were left with being told what these characters feel about each other, rather than shown.
To remedy that I do feel like the book could have been slightly longer with more chapters dedicated fully to the development of relationships, or there could be no romance plot, as it is everything else that made this book so interesting to me. As I said, the photography plot was very interesting, and I do wish that was also been explored a bit further, just like the horror and gothic elements.
Overall, this is a very enjoyable book that will have you hooked from the first chapter, and its only issue is not being long enough.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
My Darling Girls is the kind of novel that feels like stepping into a sepia‑toned photograph—beautiful, eerie, and threaded with secrets. Jo, a photographer of the dead, moves through the soot‑stained streets of Chicago with a quiet desperation. Her work keeps her hidden, tucked away from the grief of her husband’s mysterious death, the addiction that coils around her, and the guilt she carries like a second skin. She’s a woman suspended between worlds, and the novel captures that liminal ache with exquisite care.
When Jo is hired by a notorious crime family to photograph their murdered daughter, Millie, the story slips into something more spectral. Millie refuses to rest, pulling Jo into opium‑blurred visions of “the courtyard,” a realm where the dead burn to tell their unfinished stories. These dreamlike sequences are some of the book’s most striking moments—lush, unsettling, and filled with the sense that the past is reaching out with desperate hands.
As Jo begins to investigate Millie’s death, she forms a fragile, tender connection with Grace, Millie’s sister, who is trapped in her own quiet prison. Their bond becomes the emotional heart of the novel: two women bruised by life, clinging to each other in the hope of escape. Through them, the book explores the ways women survive in a world determined to use them up—through loyalty, through defiance, through the stubborn insistence on telling the truth.
Chicago itself feels alive, a city of smoke and whispers, where every alley hides a story and every shadow has teeth. The atmosphere is rich and immersive, grounding the supernatural elements in a world that feels painfully real.
What lingers is the novel’s compassion. Jo’s journey is one of reckoning—facing the ghosts she’s tried to bury, literal and otherwise, and choosing whether she will be defined by her past or finally freed from it. The ending carries a quiet, powerful sense of release.
A beautifully written, atmospheric tale of grief, redemption, and the voices that refuse to stay silent. It’s haunting in the best way—full of sorrow, tenderness, and the fierce hope that even the most broken stories can find their way to the light.
With thanks to Marina Scott, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
When Jo is hired by a notorious crime family to photograph their murdered daughter, Millie, the story slips into something more spectral. Millie refuses to rest, pulling Jo into opium‑blurred visions of “the courtyard,” a realm where the dead burn to tell their unfinished stories. These dreamlike sequences are some of the book’s most striking moments—lush, unsettling, and filled with the sense that the past is reaching out with desperate hands.
As Jo begins to investigate Millie’s death, she forms a fragile, tender connection with Grace, Millie’s sister, who is trapped in her own quiet prison. Their bond becomes the emotional heart of the novel: two women bruised by life, clinging to each other in the hope of escape. Through them, the book explores the ways women survive in a world determined to use them up—through loyalty, through defiance, through the stubborn insistence on telling the truth.
Chicago itself feels alive, a city of smoke and whispers, where every alley hides a story and every shadow has teeth. The atmosphere is rich and immersive, grounding the supernatural elements in a world that feels painfully real.
What lingers is the novel’s compassion. Jo’s journey is one of reckoning—facing the ghosts she’s tried to bury, literal and otherwise, and choosing whether she will be defined by her past or finally freed from it. The ending carries a quiet, powerful sense of release.
A beautifully written, atmospheric tale of grief, redemption, and the voices that refuse to stay silent. It’s haunting in the best way—full of sorrow, tenderness, and the fierce hope that even the most broken stories can find their way to the light.
With thanks to Marina Scott, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
To begin, I want to thank NetGalley for the advanced copy of My Darling Girls by Marina Scott. My Darling Girls was my first Marina Scott novel, and it absolutely won’t be my last. This is one of those books that quietly pulls you in and then refuses to let go; I genuinely didn’t want to put it down. The atmosphere of the novel has a strong American Gothic vibe, reminiscent of Poe, with a haunting, almost dreamlike tone that lingers throughout. The elements of death photography, mob family ties, and the unsettling presence of the past all weave together into something both eerie and compelling. I do wish the death photography had played a slightly larger role, though, it was fascinating, and I found myself wanting to learn more, especially the historical aspect of women in that field, which I hadn’t known about before. What stood out most to me was the main character, Jo. She’s flawed, but in a way that feels completely human and understandable. She’s navigating the recent loss of her husband, carrying the weight of a painful past, and trying to figure out who she even is anymore. Her opium use, her tendency to get lost in dreams, and her eerie connection to the dead could have made her feel distant or unlikable, but instead, they made her feel layered and real. The mystery itself unfolds in a really satisfying way. It’s not just about solving a murder; it’s about uncovering truths the main character didn’t even realize needed to be faced. There’s a strong theme of the past catching up with you, of the damage left behind by horrible parents, and the fear that comes with finally confronting it all. The flashbacks to earlier parts of her life were especially effective in building that emotional depth. One of my favorite aspects was the twist. It wasn’t over-the-top or overly dramatic. Instead, it was revealed with a quiet confidence that trusted the reader to piece things together. There’s no unnecessary over-explaining, which made it feel more authentic and impactful. I also appreciated how the story handled relationships. Going in, I thought I knew what I wanted for the narrator, especially in terms of a possible romance with Finn, but what we got in the end was far more fitting and meaningful. It felt true to her journey rather than just giving the reader what might seem satisfying on the surface. At its core, this book is about the weight of the past, the pain of the present, and the difficult, often messy process of finding your identity in the middle of it all. It’s haunting, emotional, and hard to put down. Overall, My Darling Girls is a beautifully written, atmospheric mystery with a complex protagonist and a story that stays with you long after the final page.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
My Darling Girls by Marina Scott - I finished this book and immediately felt compelled to write about it. This book is phenomenal! If I'm being honest, it utterly destroyed me in the best possible way. It is dark, mysterious and twisty and you truly don't anticipate what will come next. It is haunting and terrifying but it also explores redemption for past choices, and deep, unique relationships filled with passion and love.
Marina Scott creates characters with depth and substance. Characters you feel you could truly reach out and touch. She writes their terror, anguish, grief and heartbreak in such a palpable way that you are right there with them in their darkest moments. She makes them truly human with tragic flaws but also with the capacity for great love and strength. Jo - a photographer of the dead with an opium addiction and paralyzing grief over her husband's death. Millie - a dead girl, a ghost who needs her murder solved before she can move on. Finn - a gangster with heart and charm who wrestles with the violent legacy lying ahead of him. Grace - a broken-hearted, grief-stricken young woman who wants only to escape the darkness and abuses of her family. Their lives are entwined together by mysterious events and forces which push each to reevaluate themselves, their pasts and their future.
This is an edge of your seat, page turner, stay up reading until 3 am because you just can't stop, kind of novel. I devoured it in less than 24 hours and hardly noticed the hours ticking away.
Though it doesn't come out until October 20, 2026, you are going to want to add this to your TBR pile ASAP!
I am grateful to @lakeunionpublishing and @netgalley for the ARC of this novel and the chance to read and review it!
Thank you also to the brilliant @marina_v_scott for writing this fast-paced, haunting and addictive novel! I will definitely be recommending it!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#MyDarlingGirls #MarinaScott #NetGalley #LakeUnionPublishing #GothicHistoricalFiction
Marina Scott creates characters with depth and substance. Characters you feel you could truly reach out and touch. She writes their terror, anguish, grief and heartbreak in such a palpable way that you are right there with them in their darkest moments. She makes them truly human with tragic flaws but also with the capacity for great love and strength. Jo - a photographer of the dead with an opium addiction and paralyzing grief over her husband's death. Millie - a dead girl, a ghost who needs her murder solved before she can move on. Finn - a gangster with heart and charm who wrestles with the violent legacy lying ahead of him. Grace - a broken-hearted, grief-stricken young woman who wants only to escape the darkness and abuses of her family. Their lives are entwined together by mysterious events and forces which push each to reevaluate themselves, their pasts and their future.
This is an edge of your seat, page turner, stay up reading until 3 am because you just can't stop, kind of novel. I devoured it in less than 24 hours and hardly noticed the hours ticking away.
Though it doesn't come out until October 20, 2026, you are going to want to add this to your TBR pile ASAP!
I am grateful to @lakeunionpublishing and @netgalley for the ARC of this novel and the chance to read and review it!
Thank you also to the brilliant @marina_v_scott for writing this fast-paced, haunting and addictive novel! I will definitely be recommending it!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#MyDarlingGirls #MarinaScott #NetGalley #LakeUnionPublishing #GothicHistoricalFiction
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book tells the story of a woman photographer who photographs postmortem people. But her life becomes tangled once she realizes she can see the dead, or at least the essence of them. The story is set in 1904 Chicago, where women’s independence was very limited, with men—whether fathers, brothers, or husbands—acting as their protectors and decision makers.
I love how intimate this story feels because it focuses so much on women’s suffering, limitations, and expectations, while still allowing the main character to push against those boundaries in her own way.
One thing I struggled with was how messy, chaotic, and disconnected the opening felt. The main character is dealing with addiction, fear, attraction, and complicated family dynamics all at once, so it took me some time to settle into the story. Some of the choices and situations also felt a bit strange to me at first.
But once the story started building itself up, I really began to enjoy it and honestly could not put it down. The tension, character connections, and reveals made everything feel worth it by the end.
Talking about the pacing and the hints throughout the story, I feel this book gives readers fair clues, which I highly appreciated. However, some of the foreshadowing felt a bit repetitive at times because certain concerns kept being brought up repeatedly.
The mature content is spicy! I really enjoyed it, and the bisexual undertones were written naturally and felt fitting within the story. I also loved that the main character was not punished for wanting more out of life and for fighting against the limitations placed on her.
Overall, despite some frustrations along the way, this ended up being a really engaging historical supernatural mystery that I enjoyed a lot more than I expected to.
This book tells the story of a woman photographer who photographs postmortem people. But her life becomes tangled once she realizes she can see the dead, or at least the essence of them. The story is set in 1904 Chicago, where women’s independence was very limited, with men—whether fathers, brothers, or husbands—acting as their protectors and decision makers.
I love how intimate this story feels because it focuses so much on women’s suffering, limitations, and expectations, while still allowing the main character to push against those boundaries in her own way.
One thing I struggled with was how messy, chaotic, and disconnected the opening felt. The main character is dealing with addiction, fear, attraction, and complicated family dynamics all at once, so it took me some time to settle into the story. Some of the choices and situations also felt a bit strange to me at first.
But once the story started building itself up, I really began to enjoy it and honestly could not put it down. The tension, character connections, and reveals made everything feel worth it by the end.
Talking about the pacing and the hints throughout the story, I feel this book gives readers fair clues, which I highly appreciated. However, some of the foreshadowing felt a bit repetitive at times because certain concerns kept being brought up repeatedly.
The mature content is spicy! I really enjoyed it, and the bisexual undertones were written naturally and felt fitting within the story. I also loved that the main character was not punished for wanting more out of life and for fighting against the limitations placed on her.
Overall, despite some frustrations along the way, this ended up being a really engaging historical supernatural mystery that I enjoyed a lot more than I expected to.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of My Darling Girls in exchange for an honest review.
My Darling Girls is an atmospheric and emotionally driven psychological suspense novel that explores the long-lasting effects of childhood trauma and the complicated bonds between sisters. Rather than relying on constant twists, Marina Scott delivers a slow-burning narrative that gradually reveals the past while building a steady sense of unease.
The story follows three sisters who are brought back into each other’s lives when their childhood home resurface, forcing them to confront memories they’ve each processed very differently. The dual timeline is handled effectively, allowing the reader to piece together what happened while also understanding how those experiences shaped each woman into adulthood. The emotional depth here is one of the novel’s strongest elements; the sisters feel distinct, layered, and believable in both their conflicts and their connections.
The setting plays a particularly powerful role. The house itself feels heavy with history, almost like a character, reinforcing the idea that the past is never truly left behind. The pacing is more deliberate than a traditional thriller, but it works in service of the story’s tone and emotional weight.
While readers looking for fast-paced, twist-heavy suspense may find it quieter than expected, those who enjoy character-driven psychological fiction will likely appreciate its nuance and atmosphere.
Overall, My Darling Girls is a thoughtful and haunting read that lingers well beyond the final page. It’s a strong choice for readers who prefer introspective suspense with a focus on relationships and emotional complexity.
My Darling Girls is an atmospheric and emotionally driven psychological suspense novel that explores the long-lasting effects of childhood trauma and the complicated bonds between sisters. Rather than relying on constant twists, Marina Scott delivers a slow-burning narrative that gradually reveals the past while building a steady sense of unease.
The story follows three sisters who are brought back into each other’s lives when their childhood home resurface, forcing them to confront memories they’ve each processed very differently. The dual timeline is handled effectively, allowing the reader to piece together what happened while also understanding how those experiences shaped each woman into adulthood. The emotional depth here is one of the novel’s strongest elements; the sisters feel distinct, layered, and believable in both their conflicts and their connections.
The setting plays a particularly powerful role. The house itself feels heavy with history, almost like a character, reinforcing the idea that the past is never truly left behind. The pacing is more deliberate than a traditional thriller, but it works in service of the story’s tone and emotional weight.
While readers looking for fast-paced, twist-heavy suspense may find it quieter than expected, those who enjoy character-driven psychological fiction will likely appreciate its nuance and atmosphere.
Overall, My Darling Girls is a thoughtful and haunting read that lingers well beyond the final page. It’s a strong choice for readers who prefer introspective suspense with a focus on relationships and emotional complexity.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Rating: 3.7/3.8
I was drawn in by the synopsis and the story lived up to it's marketing. It's good if you are not expecting a very serious horror but a simple 'coming of age' type of book with paranormal aspects.
A paranormal encounter leads the protagonist, 'Jo' to face her life, her actual life. To see for herself what became of relationships she had long forgotten, history she wanted to forget.
I must say that while I enjoyed the story, I felt like it felt off as it progressed. The starting was very compelling, I was drawn in and extremely into the book. Around the 130th or so page, I started to feel like strangers with this book.
I was not impressed with the relationship with Finn. It was good at the start but by the end, I couldn't see what was going on between them. It doesn't feel like they are into each other. Is the attraction forced?
I did live August's character even though he doesn't really appear as part of the main cast. He is still my top favoured character. He did what he could within the means available to him. His love for her was admirable.
I like Miss Lambert too, contrary to how she was supposed to appear in the story. It's not like I think she's good or anything but I thought her saying 'MY' husband at the end was pretty funny.
The paranormal aspect did not meet my expectations. I feel like there was a lot of unused potential. Her ability to see ghosts to capture pictures of the dead seemed very handy in her work. I feel like the ending leaves me more curious than satiated. I feel bad for Finn ngl... I think I just feel hurt by her choice to let him die at Ira's hands.
Thank you to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and Marina Scott for giving me the opportunity to receive a free copy and review this book!💙
I was drawn in by the synopsis and the story lived up to it's marketing. It's good if you are not expecting a very serious horror but a simple 'coming of age' type of book with paranormal aspects.
A paranormal encounter leads the protagonist, 'Jo' to face her life, her actual life. To see for herself what became of relationships she had long forgotten, history she wanted to forget.
I must say that while I enjoyed the story, I felt like it felt off as it progressed. The starting was very compelling, I was drawn in and extremely into the book. Around the 130th or so page, I started to feel like strangers with this book.
I was not impressed with the relationship with Finn. It was good at the start but by the end, I couldn't see what was going on between them. It doesn't feel like they are into each other. Is the attraction forced?
I did live August's character even though he doesn't really appear as part of the main cast. He is still my top favoured character. He did what he could within the means available to him. His love for her was admirable.
I like Miss Lambert too, contrary to how she was supposed to appear in the story. It's not like I think she's good or anything but I thought her saying 'MY' husband at the end was pretty funny.
The paranormal aspect did not meet my expectations. I feel like there was a lot of unused potential. Her ability to see ghosts to capture pictures of the dead seemed very handy in her work. I feel like the ending leaves me more curious than satiated. I feel bad for Finn ngl... I think I just feel hurt by her choice to let him die at Ira's hands.
Thank you to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and Marina Scott for giving me the opportunity to receive a free copy and review this book!💙
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
My Darling Girls is a gothic mystery about what happens when one refuses to look at the truth...
It's 1904 Chicago, and Jo photographs the dead, a business she inherited from her deceased husband. It's a smoky, gritty kind of story with a dark and shadowy atmosphere that perfectly captures the seedy underground of early 1900s Chicago. In her opium daze, Jo is transported to a otherworldly realm where she encounters the spirits of the dead. One of them happens to be a client of hers, who died under mysterious circumstances. She begs Jo to find her killer which forces her to confront secrets from her past, secrets that threaten her identity and life.
I have never read a book about photographing the dead before which I thought made a really intriguing plot. Given the topic, the story was a little morbid and creepy, with Gothic elements such as spirits and a haunting past affecting the lives of the characters. I'm not sure I liked the spirit realm that was introduced because it was strange and supernatural but not in the right way for this particular story. I think incorporating a supernatural element for the photographs themselves would have been a little more interesting and would have brought the focus back to the photography.
Overall, My Darling Girls by Marina Scott was a unique story whose atmosphere was a little more interesting than the overall storyline.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a free arc via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
It's 1904 Chicago, and Jo photographs the dead, a business she inherited from her deceased husband. It's a smoky, gritty kind of story with a dark and shadowy atmosphere that perfectly captures the seedy underground of early 1900s Chicago. In her opium daze, Jo is transported to a otherworldly realm where she encounters the spirits of the dead. One of them happens to be a client of hers, who died under mysterious circumstances. She begs Jo to find her killer which forces her to confront secrets from her past, secrets that threaten her identity and life.
I have never read a book about photographing the dead before which I thought made a really intriguing plot. Given the topic, the story was a little morbid and creepy, with Gothic elements such as spirits and a haunting past affecting the lives of the characters. I'm not sure I liked the spirit realm that was introduced because it was strange and supernatural but not in the right way for this particular story. I think incorporating a supernatural element for the photographs themselves would have been a little more interesting and would have brought the focus back to the photography.
Overall, My Darling Girls by Marina Scott was a unique story whose atmosphere was a little more interesting than the overall storyline.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a free arc via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Josephine Lasso is a 30-year-old widow living in 1904 Chicago. She makes ends meet photographing the dead, but squanders most of her money on opium. In her laudanum addled sleep, Jo dreams of a strange courtyard where she meets the recently deceased Millie, a young girl from a crime family who asks Jo to find out who killed her.
The book has a lot of potential. I liked how the magical realism of the plot is anchored by a setting rich in early 20th century American history (1904 was also the year of the Stockyards Strike in Chicago— the basis of Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle). I like that Jo’s work as a photographer gives readers insight into the way death was commemorated during that period, as well as bite sized lessons in the mechanics and chemistry of early film development. And I liked the author’s use of descriptive language to provide exposition. There were moments of writing that were quite beautiful.
However.
The dialogue. Good LORD, the dialogue. With only a few exceptions, the verbal interactions between characters was comically awkward at best and at worst? At worst I was reminded of Tommy Wiseau’s The Room. There is a bit of banter between Jo and Finn post-lamb stew that I thought was done well, but other than that? Oof.
Jo’s life before she arrived in Chicago is an additional mystery that slowly untangles with each dream-visit to the courtyard well. I assume that Jo jumps into the well’s water to reveal her past in the same way one might submerge paper into a developer tray to see the image that manifests. I see what the author did there.
Three solid stars for an interesting premise that I felt could have been executed a bit better. Would love to see this manuscript get the additional editing and minor plot hole cleanup it deserves.
The book has a lot of potential. I liked how the magical realism of the plot is anchored by a setting rich in early 20th century American history (1904 was also the year of the Stockyards Strike in Chicago— the basis of Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle). I like that Jo’s work as a photographer gives readers insight into the way death was commemorated during that period, as well as bite sized lessons in the mechanics and chemistry of early film development. And I liked the author’s use of descriptive language to provide exposition. There were moments of writing that were quite beautiful.
However.
The dialogue. Good LORD, the dialogue. With only a few exceptions, the verbal interactions between characters was comically awkward at best and at worst? At worst I was reminded of Tommy Wiseau’s The Room. There is a bit of banter between Jo and Finn post-lamb stew that I thought was done well, but other than that? Oof.
Jo’s life before she arrived in Chicago is an additional mystery that slowly untangles with each dream-visit to the courtyard well. I assume that Jo jumps into the well’s water to reveal her past in the same way one might submerge paper into a developer tray to see the image that manifests. I see what the author did there.
Three solid stars for an interesting premise that I felt could have been executed a bit better. Would love to see this manuscript get the additional editing and minor plot hole cleanup it deserves.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
My Darling Girls by Marina Scott – A haunting female-led historical mystery.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for a copy of this book for an honest review.
I rarely audibly gasp while reading, but it happened here.
In Marina Scott’s My Darling Girls, we meet photographer Jo in early 1900s Chicago. She makes a living as a post-mortem photographer, a quiet and sheltered job which lets her hide from memories and grief. While struggling with addiction, a notorious crime family approaches her to quickly photograph the recently deceased daughter Millie. Millie latches on to Jo and lures her into solving her mysterious murder.
I liked the novel’s unpredictability. The novel switches between the present and Jo’s memories, revealing more about her childhood and her relationships. Her character is layered, she appears as a strong woman in the male-dominated world of photography and mob-filled Chicago, but she is allowed to show vulnerability, to grieve and feel guilt about her past.
This historical novel evokes early 20th century Chicago in wonderful detail, illustrating life for a woman across social class: a widow, a daughters of influential family, and the less fortunate.
For those readers who love historical mysteries and complex female protagonists.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for a copy of this book for an honest review.
I rarely audibly gasp while reading, but it happened here.
In Marina Scott’s My Darling Girls, we meet photographer Jo in early 1900s Chicago. She makes a living as a post-mortem photographer, a quiet and sheltered job which lets her hide from memories and grief. While struggling with addiction, a notorious crime family approaches her to quickly photograph the recently deceased daughter Millie. Millie latches on to Jo and lures her into solving her mysterious murder.
I liked the novel’s unpredictability. The novel switches between the present and Jo’s memories, revealing more about her childhood and her relationships. Her character is layered, she appears as a strong woman in the male-dominated world of photography and mob-filled Chicago, but she is allowed to show vulnerability, to grieve and feel guilt about her past.
This historical novel evokes early 20th century Chicago in wonderful detail, illustrating life for a woman across social class: a widow, a daughters of influential family, and the less fortunate.
For those readers who love historical mysteries and complex female protagonists.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
📘📖 Book Review 📖📘
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My Darling Girls written by Marina Scott
Thank you to Net galley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC.
In 1904 Chicago, Widow Jo is left to run her husband’s photography business, taking photos of the dead as was the normal back then. Jo is very good at what she does and not only that she can speak to the dead.
When she’s hired by a crime family to photograph their young daughter after her death she becomes tangled within their family web and using opium to cope with her own battles she finds herself transported to ‘another realm’ where she must find penance.
I really enjoyed this book, I didn’t know what to expect as it wasn’t something I would be drawn to, but I couldn’t put it down. I loved Jos character, I loved how she was herself and unintimidated by men. The author really explores the dynamics of women in 1904 and how men dominated all aspects of their lives. And although this book is set 122 years ago it does pose questions on whether we as women do have equality and do we still have a long way to come.
I enjoyed the twists in the story, and the way the author dropped little chapters of the past giving us more of idea of who Jo is.
#escapeinbooks #booksarelife #books #bookstagram #bookreviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read an eArc in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I devoured this book in a single day! I have always had a fascination with 1880s - 1920s so anytime I find a book during that time period, I am going to pick it up. The premise to it grabbed me instantly! A photographer that takes photos of the dead (a common victorian practise) and can speak to them, count me in! The whole book had me addicted. Starting with the first page I was interested and couldn't help but to continue reading. I loved the female lead Jo. Her development throughout the story was great. There was only one part that I felt like the conversation between her and another character flowed a little awkward, but other than that I can't think of a single critque of this book! I loved the whole idea of her reliving past memories to come to terms with her life and learn forgiveness all while solving a murder. The twist of who Jo was took me by surprise and added so many layers to everything I had learned about her while reading. I wish this book came out sooner so I could tell people to read it right now!
I devoured this book in a single day! I have always had a fascination with 1880s - 1920s so anytime I find a book during that time period, I am going to pick it up. The premise to it grabbed me instantly! A photographer that takes photos of the dead (a common victorian practise) and can speak to them, count me in! The whole book had me addicted. Starting with the first page I was interested and couldn't help but to continue reading. I loved the female lead Jo. Her development throughout the story was great. There was only one part that I felt like the conversation between her and another character flowed a little awkward, but other than that I can't think of a single critque of this book! I loved the whole idea of her reliving past memories to come to terms with her life and learn forgiveness all while solving a murder. The twist of who Jo was took me by surprise and added so many layers to everything I had learned about her while reading. I wish this book came out sooner so I could tell people to read it right now!
May 10, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed My Darling Girls. As someone who loves photography, ghost stories, and a good murder mystery, this felt very much up my street.
The atmosphere was one of the strongest parts of the book for me. There’s an underlying sense of unease throughout, balanced with emotional depth and the mystery itself, which kept me wanting to continue reading. I especially enjoyed the blend of supernatural elements with the investigation, as it added an extra layer of intrigue without overpowering the story.
The photography aspect also stood out to me and gave the book a distinctive feel. It added to the mood and worked really well alongside the darker themes and haunting elements.
Overall, this was an enjoyable and immersive read with mystery, emotion, and just enough ghostly atmosphere to keep things interesting. A great pick for readers who enjoy crime with a supernatural edge.
I really enjoyed My Darling Girls. As someone who loves photography, ghost stories, and a good murder mystery, this felt very much up my street.
The atmosphere was one of the strongest parts of the book for me. There’s an underlying sense of unease throughout, balanced with emotional depth and the mystery itself, which kept me wanting to continue reading. I especially enjoyed the blend of supernatural elements with the investigation, as it added an extra layer of intrigue without overpowering the story.
The photography aspect also stood out to me and gave the book a distinctive feel. It added to the mood and worked really well alongside the darker themes and haunting elements.
Overall, this was an enjoyable and immersive read with mystery, emotion, and just enough ghostly atmosphere to keep things interesting. A great pick for readers who enjoy crime with a supernatural edge.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book!!!! How do I love it? Let me count the ways...
Yes, a novel about postmortem photography isn't most people's cup of tea, but it IS mine! I DID want to read this ARC because of the description of this story, it's true. However the writing is what kept me hooked.
The structure is well done: we get most of it in the present but so many different storylines happen in the past and they are woven together quite beautifully.
I need to say this because I haven't said it in a looong time: this was a VERY original topic. I was also super surprised with the plot twists I didn't see coming.
I'm still in shock I was fortunate enough to read this as an ARC, thank you Netgalley for this.
P.S
Dear Marina Scott,
I would love to live inside your imagination. I cannot wait for your next books, consider me a fan!
Your adoring fan,
Diana.
Yes, a novel about postmortem photography isn't most people's cup of tea, but it IS mine! I DID want to read this ARC because of the description of this story, it's true. However the writing is what kept me hooked.
The structure is well done: we get most of it in the present but so many different storylines happen in the past and they are woven together quite beautifully.
I need to say this because I haven't said it in a looong time: this was a VERY original topic. I was also super surprised with the plot twists I didn't see coming.
I'm still in shock I was fortunate enough to read this as an ARC, thank you Netgalley for this.
P.S
Dear Marina Scott,
I would love to live inside your imagination. I cannot wait for your next books, consider me a fan!
Your adoring fan,
Diana.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.
This was unlike anything I have ever read before, and I have read thousands of different books during my lifetime!
The book is only around 200 pages, but the story was crafted beautifully and not rushed at all. I was initially unsure of what I thought, but was then hooked after a few pages.
I won't give too much away, but the protagonist Jo is a photographer of the dead in 1904 in Chicago, and through her work and opium addiction she is drawn in to the mystery surrounding a young girl's death. This isn’t without danger, as the girl belonged to a gangster family. In learning about the nature of Millie's demise, we also get to explore Jo's story.
A really quick read, but such a good story. If you like historical fiction, horror, mystery and/or strong female leads, this book is perfect for you.
This was unlike anything I have ever read before, and I have read thousands of different books during my lifetime!
The book is only around 200 pages, but the story was crafted beautifully and not rushed at all. I was initially unsure of what I thought, but was then hooked after a few pages.
I won't give too much away, but the protagonist Jo is a photographer of the dead in 1904 in Chicago, and through her work and opium addiction she is drawn in to the mystery surrounding a young girl's death. This isn’t without danger, as the girl belonged to a gangster family. In learning about the nature of Millie's demise, we also get to explore Jo's story.
A really quick read, but such a good story. If you like historical fiction, horror, mystery and/or strong female leads, this book is perfect for you.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
My Darling Girls by Marina Scott is such a well written unique story that I had trouble putting down.
The story focuses on the topic of postmortem photography, which I was so drawn to. I am a huge fan of procedural crime shows like Law and Order and I had never thought about the photography.
We meet Joe and the year is 1904. Jo takes pictures of the deceased. Not only does she take pictures of the deceased she can communicate with them. I absolutely LOVE this supernatural element.
I enjoyed the dual timeline from past to present and how the slow burn of the mystery is revealed.
I have not read a historical mystery like this before and I highly recommend it.
A unique concept, with a great mystery.
If you love a darker deeper historical mystery with amazing supernatural elements, this one is for you.
Don't miss it!
The story focuses on the topic of postmortem photography, which I was so drawn to. I am a huge fan of procedural crime shows like Law and Order and I had never thought about the photography.
We meet Joe and the year is 1904. Jo takes pictures of the deceased. Not only does she take pictures of the deceased she can communicate with them. I absolutely LOVE this supernatural element.
I enjoyed the dual timeline from past to present and how the slow burn of the mystery is revealed.
I have not read a historical mystery like this before and I highly recommend it.
A unique concept, with a great mystery.
If you love a darker deeper historical mystery with amazing supernatural elements, this one is for you.
Don't miss it!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was an interesting read from Marina Scott.
What I liked about this book was the unique setting. One of my favorite series in the Gaslamp Murder Mysteries by Victoria Thompson set around the turn of the century in New York. This story in turn on the century Chicago reminded me of that. The author does a good job of describing what life would have been like during this time and transporting you to that era.
While the story does center around solving a murder (or two) the heart of the story is really about acceptance and forgiveness of ones own self. I enjoyed the character development that is woven into the supernatural aspects of the story. The author really hits on a lot of different themes to keep you interested in the story.
What I liked about this book was the unique setting. One of my favorite series in the Gaslamp Murder Mysteries by Victoria Thompson set around the turn of the century in New York. This story in turn on the century Chicago reminded me of that. The author does a good job of describing what life would have been like during this time and transporting you to that era.
While the story does center around solving a murder (or two) the heart of the story is really about acceptance and forgiveness of ones own self. I enjoyed the character development that is woven into the supernatural aspects of the story. The author really hits on a lot of different themes to keep you interested in the story.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Death is but a picture.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for providing me with this complimentary copy of the book. Opinions expressed in this book are completely my own.
What would you do for those you love? What would you do for a strangers ghost? This book is best if you go in blind. It is beautiful, compelling and it makes one think not only of the past but where we are going.
I would say to check trigger warnings for this one as the book explores many heavy topics that could be upsetting to some.
I recommend this book for a new adult audience. Especially those who want to get into historical mystery books!
Characters 3/5
Setting 5/5
Story4/5
Overall 3.5/5
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for providing me with this complimentary copy of the book. Opinions expressed in this book are completely my own.
What would you do for those you love? What would you do for a strangers ghost? This book is best if you go in blind. It is beautiful, compelling and it makes one think not only of the past but where we are going.
I would say to check trigger warnings for this one as the book explores many heavy topics that could be upsetting to some.
I recommend this book for a new adult audience. Especially those who want to get into historical mystery books!
Characters 3/5
Setting 5/5
Story4/5
Overall 3.5/5
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It was such a pleasure to read this book. The plot is gripping. I wanted to know more and more about Jo‘s secrets. I like the way how these secrets are revealed. The pace of this book is not too fast and not too slow. I could draw a clear picture of Chicago in early 1900‘s. I like this mysterious note of ghosts.
But there are few things I couldn’t understand. Sometimes the behaviour of Jo seemed strange for me. But I‘ve got why she was like that at the end of the book. Also the deed of Miss Lambert. Why couldn’t she explain her plans at the beginning?
In summary I enjoyed this book and recommend to read it. Especially if you want to feel this timeline.
But there are few things I couldn’t understand. Sometimes the behaviour of Jo seemed strange for me. But I‘ve got why she was like that at the end of the book. Also the deed of Miss Lambert. Why couldn’t she explain her plans at the beginning?
In summary I enjoyed this book and recommend to read it. Especially if you want to feel this timeline.
Read
March 8, 2026My Darling Girls by new to me author Marina Scott is a stand alone dark read with a heavy touch pnr. The book is published by Lake Union Publishing.
Set in 1904 in Chicago, Jo is a photographer. She's specialised her art and when she gets hired to photograph a daughter, she's in for the ride of her life.
She's a quiet person, is stll mourning her late husband and now she gets transported into another realm to learn about stories the dead have to tell.
Sometimes a bit heavy, sometimes a bit drawn out, all in all an ok read.
Set in 1904 in Chicago, Jo is a photographer. She's specialised her art and when she gets hired to photograph a daughter, she's in for the ride of her life.
She's a quiet person, is stll mourning her late husband and now she gets transported into another realm to learn about stories the dead have to tell.
Sometimes a bit heavy, sometimes a bit drawn out, all in all an ok read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I very much enjoyed reading this book!
As a someone who studied photography and is from Chicago, chefs kiss! The mystery throughout the story continued to surprise me. The growing complexity of each character kept me hooked and wanting to learn more. From learning of Jo’s past, to Millie’s death, and Augusts mysterious death, I would definitely recommend this to my friends!
My only wish would have been to see Finn have a ending with our dear Jo, but I understand. The hopeless romantic in me just wanted them to have a happily ever after ending.
As a someone who studied photography and is from Chicago, chefs kiss! The mystery throughout the story continued to surprise me. The growing complexity of each character kept me hooked and wanting to learn more. From learning of Jo’s past, to Millie’s death, and Augusts mysterious death, I would definitely recommend this to my friends!
My only wish would have been to see Finn have a ending with our dear Jo, but I understand. The hopeless romantic in me just wanted them to have a happily ever after ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐️ 5.0 — Thank you so much NetGalley for this ARC.♡
This book takes places in 1904 Chicago and follows a female photographer. Not just any photographer but a post-mortem photographer. I’ve never read anything like this before! It’s so creative and hauntingly original. I’ve never felt more narratively satisfied, every element of this story is perfectly executed.
It gives Peaky Blinders vibes mixed with Ghost Whisperer (10/10 shows btw).
Only thing I would’ve changed is wishing I read this during the fall. 👻
This book takes places in 1904 Chicago and follows a female photographer. Not just any photographer but a post-mortem photographer. I’ve never read anything like this before! It’s so creative and hauntingly original. I’ve never felt more narratively satisfied, every element of this story is perfectly executed.
It gives Peaky Blinders vibes mixed with Ghost Whisperer (10/10 shows btw).
Only thing I would’ve changed is wishing I read this during the fall. 👻
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was such an intriguing historical read! As a photographer, I was immediately drawn to Jo and the way photography played into the story. It added such an interesting layer that made me even more curious about this story.
Jo was such a complicated main character: flawed, brave, and searching for redemption in a world that gave women very little freedom. The mystery kept me turning the pages, and I loved the way pieces of her past were slowly revealed throughout the book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this! Can’t wait to have this on my shelf.
Jo was such a complicated main character: flawed, brave, and searching for redemption in a world that gave women very little freedom. The mystery kept me turning the pages, and I loved the way pieces of her past were slowly revealed throughout the book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this! Can’t wait to have this on my shelf.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book had a great setting. Turn of the century Chicago with magic realism. Jo is trying to make it as a widowed photographer which is not common for the time period. But she also sees spirits which she tries to quiet with drugs and alcohol. She is inadvertently tied to a crime family with a heartbreaking family drama. The characters are so well developed. There is a little sapphic romance, lots of lustful thoughts, and tons of connections to the spirit world. I really enjoyed this book and am thankful I was able to get an ARC!
May 28, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley for this advance copy!
It’s 1904 and Jo earns her living photographing the dead. Who move. And talk to her. While she’s taking their picture. But Jo is addicted to opium. Is she losing her mind? Or is it something else entirely?
The ending was dark, sad, and rather desperate but the epilogue left me with hope that Jo is going to be fine.
Unreliable lead, addiction, talking dead, and lots of death. The world felt dark while I was reading this novel that I had to pause to check if it was still daytime. It was. Whew.
It’s 1904 and Jo earns her living photographing the dead. Who move. And talk to her. While she’s taking their picture. But Jo is addicted to opium. Is she losing her mind? Or is it something else entirely?
The ending was dark, sad, and rather desperate but the epilogue left me with hope that Jo is going to be fine.
Unreliable lead, addiction, talking dead, and lots of death. The world felt dark while I was reading this novel that I had to pause to check if it was still daytime. It was. Whew.
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