The Knocking: A Novel

by Laura Lee Bahr

In a house this haunted, both the living and the dead pose dangers to a female journalist in nineteenth-century New York in a chilling historical gothic by the author of Who Is the Liar .

It’s 1850 when intrepid journalist and women’s-rights advocate Edith Ann, “E. A.,” Howe arrives at the home of iconic newspaper founder Horace Greeley. Her assignment is to chronicle the uncanny gifts of Cathie Fox, an eleven-year-old medium in Horace’s charge. Mysterious knocking sounds follow Cathie as she channels the restless spirit of the Greeleys’ deceased son, Pickie—a ghostly consolation to Horace’s profoundly unwell and grieving wife. As her condition worsens, E. A. suspects foul play.

Something is very wrong in this house. Sharp-tongued housekeepers warn her to steer clear of the attic. Pickie’s alleged messages from beyond are more disturbing than comforting. And the seemingly guileless Cathie claims that the house is eating her alive. All the while Cathie’s beautiful English governess is awakening something restless in E. A.

As she wrestles with her own childhood terrors, E. A. must investigate the story of the spirit-knockings and reveal whether the greatest threats are coming from the living or the dead.

Genres: Gothic, Historical, Historical Fiction

288 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 14, 2026

Reviews

[Bookaholic__Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tbh, I was impressed by how much I enjoyed this story. Historical fiction isn't always a hit with me, but this one I quite enjoyed. I think because it was queer fiction and also a little Gothic thriller-ish that it helped me connect with and enjoy the story more.

Set in the 1850s, the story follows EA who is a journalist and an advocate for women's rights. She is sent by her employer to the home of an iconic newspaper publisher named Greeley to try to get him on board with backing a piece written against the fugitive slave act.

She gets there and quickly gets sidetracked by a young woman and her teacher. Cathie Fox is an 11 year old medium and she is there to allow Greeley's wife to communicate with their deceased child. Greeley decides that he wants EA to publish an article instead about Cathies ability, and so for a time she shifts her focus to this child.

I honestly think this was a creative way to explain how the original spirit boards were created. And honestly I loved that this was a fictionalized tale basically about the real fox sisters Leah, Maggie and Kate who were the three Central figures in the rise of spiritualism during the 19th century.

Readers who enjoy stories that are based on real events, who don't mind slow burn thrillers and love a good Gothic mystery will definitely enjoy The Knocking.

I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Jessah Schnack · Rating 1 out of 5]

It’s described as a “chilling historical gothic.” There is nothing chilling about this book whatsoever. If you asked, I wouldn’t even be able to tell you what this book is about. There are no likable characters.

Maybe it would have been a different experience if I read the book physically. The narrator for the audio wasn’t bad, but I don’t think this was the book for her. For a book that was supposed to be spooky, the narration gave it a real comical twist. Her voice would have been better suited for a rom-com.

Did not enjoy. Would not recommend.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abolishing slavery, fighting for women's rights, a little bit of queerness and some weird ass ghostly activity. Throw all these things into the Powerpuff Girls cauldron and this book is probably what would come out. This book had a whole lot of stuff going on but I can honestly say I enjoyed the ride. Our main character jumps right off the page yelling F*CK INJUSTICE AND INEQUALITY!

[Heather Bair · Rating 2 out of 5]

*THANK YOU TO GOODREADS FOR A DIGITAL COPY*

This book had great premise. As someone who is interested in the paranormal from a purely entertainment standpoint, I’ve heard of Kate and Maggie Fox, known as “The Fox Sisters” (along with a third sister, but she’s just non-existent here) who created the Spiritualist Movement of 1848. They were the first to go on record saying (“proving”) they could talk to spirits of the dead.

Now I have no problem with a historical fiction (which is actually what this is) taking liberties with a real life story, as long as you do it respectfully and without harm caused to anyone, however Bahr’s writing really feels juvenile and fluffy, and so blatantly obvious Bahr did little to no research, despite the fact she says she did in the afterword. Also, she went to a “real-life” psychic to get “permission” from The Fox Sisters to write this book, and they gave permission in the form of showing the psychic a shovel that was meant to convey to Bahr to “dig deeper”? Yeah, I’m sure they approved of Leah being left out of the entire novel and solely focused on Kate and Maggie. She also says she used the spelling of “Cathie” because it’s the one that resonated with her the most. Okay, so we could ask the sisters if they approved of a book being written about them, but you couldn’t ask what spelling Kate preferred? Uh-huh.

In terms of writing and actual plot, there truly isn’t one. Everything is wrapped up in the end with a cute little ribbon, no consequences are offered for ANY of the villainy, and even our FMC in E.A. Howe just shrugs everything off like “oh well, what a crazy week, anyway.” Sooooo we’re not going to talk more about being a female reporter, or working to spread the word of abolitionists and the movement? It’s just, “well there’s that. Thanks for coming along. I had a great time, and I hope you did too. See you next time.”

Bahr’s writing is also very lackluster and the story continues to become boring and more boring as the story goes on. The introduction of so many characters becomes confusing and I was very quickly lost on who was who and who had a relationship with who and what that relationship was. I found myself not caring about any character and just wanting to be done with the story. And thankfully, I am. Sorry to the Fox Sisters.

*THANK YOU AGAIN TO GOODREADS FOR PROVIDING A COPY THROUGH A GIVEAWAY*

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: *The Knocking* by Laura Lee Bahr

Rating: 3.5 Stars

I recently finished *The Knocking* by Laura Lee Bahr and found it to be an intriguing blend of historical fiction and gothic mystery set in mid-19th century New York. The story follows Edith Ann "E. A." Howe, a bold journalist and advocate for women's rights, who is sent to document the eerie abilities of Cathie Fox, an eleven-year-old medium under the care of Horace Greeley, the famous newspaper founder. Cathie’s mediumship centers on communicating with the spirit of Horace’s late son, Pickie, whose ghostly presence brings both comfort and unease to the household—especially as Horace’s wife’s condition deteriorates under mysterious circumstances.

As E. A. digs deeper, she encounters warnings from sharp-tongued housekeepers about staying away from the attic and unnerving messages from beyond the grave. Meanwhile, Cathie’s claim that the house itself is consuming her adds a haunting layer of suspense. Adding to the complexity is Cathie’s English governess, whose presence stirs something buried in E. A.'s past. Throughout, E. A. must untangle whether the real danger lies with the supernatural forces at play or the living inhabitants of this haunted residence.

One thing I immediately noticed was how captivating the cover art is—definitely a book that stands out on the shelf! The atmosphere Laura Lee Bahr creates is thick and immersive, perfectly evoking that gothic vibe. The characters feel well-drawn and authentic, and the writing style is articulate and engaging. That said, I did find the pace a bit slow at times, which made the book a longer read for me than I expected. Whether it was due to a busy schedule or just not fully clicking with the narrative flow, I sometimes struggled to stay completely absorbed.

Overall, *The Knocking* offers a compelling historical gothic experience with rich setting details and a complex mystery at its core. While it didn’t quite grab me as intensely as I hoped throughout, I appreciated the craft and creativity behind it enough to give it a solid 3.5 stars. Fans of atmospheric ghost stories with layered characters might find it well worth their time.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

[ColleenIsBooked · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.
The Knocking is lightly based on true events that happened during the Spiritualism craze in America. We follow E.A. (a figment of imagination and not a real person) who is tasked by her boss 'Lady Jane' Swisshelm (real) to entreat Mr. Horace Greeley (real), a newspaper owner, to take a negative stance against the Compromise of 1850. E.A. personally feels very strongly about this as she is an abolitionist and proponent of equal rights for all. While attempting to meet with Greeley, E.A. gets sucked into the chaos of his household, which consists of a small child, a wife with debilitating grief, a mother-daughter servant team both called Martha, and the star of the show, Catie Fox (real) 11 year old spirit medium of the famous Fox family and her governess Miss Elliot. While staying in the house, E.A. is tasked instead with writing a column about the child medium.
The story was interesting overall. I think it was fascinating to be placed in this certain time period with the political focuses that were present in this story. At one point, our intrepid reporter attends a lecture by the Frederick Douglass (real, of course). You can really tell that the author, although taking some liberties, tried to keep historical facts accurate while still leaving room for the reader to speculate on if the spirit telegraph has merit. Though we do get some really wild and creepy scenes of mediumship, much of this story leans more into the political aspects and a surprise romance. I wish it would have leaned a little more into the gothic, dark paranormal aspects. The tone felt too light for a true feeling of dread and horror to seep in.
However, I think if you are someone who tends to get scared easily while reading, this would be a good one to try out. There are a couple creepier scenes, but for the most part nothing overly intense. I would say the level of scary that one would encounter in a book for a younger audience. This is an adult book, but one could argue closer to New Adult with some YA crossover.

*Thank you to Little A and NetGalley for the eARC. All thoughts are my own.*

[Lilith's_Library_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Knocking: A Novel is the kind of horror-leaning story that doesn’t just scare you—it unsettles you in a way that lingers long after you’ve put it down.

From the start, there’s an eerie, intrusive atmosphere that feels like it’s pressing in from the edges of every scene. The “knocking” itself becomes more than a concept—it turns into this constant psychological presence, something that feels both external and uncomfortably internal, like the story is echoing inside your own head. That’s where this book is at its strongest: in that slow, creeping discomfort that builds rather than explodes.

There’s a surreal quality to the narrative that keeps you slightly off-balance. At times it feels grounded in reality, and then it shifts just enough to make you question what you’re actually seeing. I really liked that instability—it suits the tone perfectly and adds to the sense that nothing here is entirely safe or trustworthy.

The emotional layer is quieter but still present, often tied to anxiety, memory, and the feeling of being trapped in something you can’t fully name or escape. I did find myself wanting a bit more clarity in certain sections, especially when the narrative leaned further into abstraction, but that ambiguity also contributes to the overall unease.

Pacing is deliberately slow and atmospheric, which works for the type of horror this is aiming for. It’s not about constant action or jump scares—it’s about pressure building until it becomes hard to ignore. That said, there were moments where the slowness felt slightly stretched, depending on your tolerance for ambiguity-heavy storytelling.

[Kathryn Card · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to love The Knocking. A Victorian Gothic mystery centered around séances and spiritual mediums sounded right up my alley, but unfortunately, this one didn't deliver what I was hoping for.
Instead of fully embracing the eerie supernatural elements, the story focused much more on Edith, a young journalist determined to publish her opinions on slavery, with a slow-burn romance woven throughout. While those themes were interesting, they overshadowed the Gothic atmosphere I was expecting, leaving the paranormal aspects feeling more like an afterthought than the driving force of the story.
Edith also didn't work for me as a main character. She was certainly passionate about her cause, but I found her underdeveloped and, at times, frustrating. Her strange connection to the dead never felt fully explored or integrated into the plot, making those moments feel out of place instead of adding to the mystery.
I listened to the audiobook, and while the narration was perfectly fine, it wasn't enough to elevate a story that ultimately fell flat. Overall, The Knocking had an intriguing premise and plenty of potential, but it never quite came together for me.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC for review. To be published July 14, 2026.

3 stars

It’s 1850 and Edith Ann (Lily Tomlin…..wait. That can’t be right. Oh, it’s E.A. And only those of a certain age will even get that. Sigh. I have become an old person.) Howe is an aspiring journalist sent to Horace Greeley’s home by her mentor to persuade the famous editor to renounce the Fugitive Slave Act in his papers.

However, her cover story is that she is there to cover Cathie Fox, an eleven year old medium who is meant to be contacting one of the Greeley’s deceased children on behalf of Greeley’s ailing wife. Howe notes that there are charlatans about other than possibly Fox as well as servants and she is unsure of most everyone as she knows something is wrong in the house.

For quite awhile I thought the book was YA and it would suffice, I think. It lacks a bit as adult fiction even though it covers an interesting time in history and includes several real life individuals, which I enjoy. It was just OK for me.

[Hazel Grey · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Knocking is one of those eerie, unsettling reads that lingers long after you’ve turned the final page. The story leans into a raw, almost chaotic energy, blending supernatural horror with emotional depth in a way that feels both disorienting and compelling.

Laura Lee Bahr’s writing is vivid and intense, though at times the pacing and structure can feel a little uneven. Still, that unpredictability adds to the overall atmosphere, making it hard to look away even when things get strange.

A haunting and unique read that won’t be for everyone, but if you enjoy darker, more unconventional horror, it’s definitely worth picking up.

[Michelle Fecio · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who has always been interested in nineteenth century spiritualism, this was a highly engaging read for me. Edith's voice is distinct and compelling and you really get a sense of who she is and what she stands for. Like all good haunted house stories, the Greeley house was its own vivid character and I found some of the scenes with the spirit channeling genuinely spooky. While at times it felt as if there were a few too many different plot threads introduced and not enough connecting them together into a fully coherent narrative, I nevertheless enjoyed them all.

Thank you to Little A for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

DNF at 22%. Unfortunately, the protagonist of this book is really not for me. She feels like a caricature of a feminist journalist, literally half-feral because she was raised running around in the woods. She has no social graces at all, which seems strange for someone who is trying to rise in such a male-dominated field that depends on getting people to open up to her and tell her things. There are some creepy scenes that open up the book, but the pacing is also so slow and drags like crazy. Perhaps all the characters improve as you keep reading, but for me, this ensemble cast feels too much like a parody of a haunted mansion to keep going.

[Cathye Aka OrionReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story overall was really interesting and right up my alley. Edith is a 19th century journalist investigating an 11 year old medium. I really enjoy this time period, especially around the spirit readers. Unfortunately the pacing was off. At times it was exciting, while other times it was slow and boring. The mystery and investigation kept me listening. I'm glad I listened to the audio, I think if I had read an ebook or physical book I would have DNF'd. The narrator did keep me curious as to what would happen next and engaged in the book.

Thank you to Netgalley, Laura Lee Bahr, Helen Laser and Brilliance Publishing for an advanced copy. My review is voluntary and honest.

[Kirk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Give me a book about spirit mediums and I will read it. The Knocking by Laura Lee Bahr was different because Cathie Fox is an eleven year old girl and also a medium. E.A. Howe is a female journalist who wants to spread the word about the causes she believes in but gets sidetracked. I enjoyed Helen Laser‘s narration. Historical fiction, activism and sapphic relationships combined to make this somewhat supernatural tale a standout. Not everything is explained but you’ll learn who or what is the cause of the knocking. ALC was provided by Brilliance Publishing/Brilliance Audio via NetGalley. I received an advance listening copy for free and I Adam leaving this feedback voluntarily.

[Chaotic Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was just okay for me. I wish there was more hauntings and spirits, that felt a bit lacking for me. E.A. was a character I really enjoyed, I always love a queer main character and she was great. Her contemplating if she’s going a little crazy or not like her mom did was interesting to read about. I also liked the historical fiction aspect of the book and especially with the doctors and the way they were treating Mrs. Greeley, I thought that was cool. Then of course seeing E.A.’s support of abolitionism was a very positive part of her personality and the book as well!! The narrator Helen Laser did a really good job, I loved her voice as E.A.!! Overall it was a pretty okay book, I just wanted more with the haunted house and the spirits of the house.

[Erricka Hager · Rating 2 out of 5]

Despite its promising blend of historical gothic atmosphere, spiritism, and real-life events, the audiobook for The Knocking by Laura Lee Bahr unfortunately fell flat for me. The story never fully captured my attention, and the narrative tone felt surprisingly like Young Adult fiction rather than a mature adult novel. While I'm sure it will find its audience, it just wasn't the memorable historical read I was hoping for.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ALC in exchange for my honest opinion. The Knocking releases tomorrow, July 14, 2026!

[Katey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I received the audiobook version and I did enjoy the narrator’s performance.

The synopsis of this book is 💯 up my alley but unfortunately it just didn’t deliver all that was promised to me. I felt like there was so much random stuff going on but somehow nothing really happened. I found it hard to keep all the people’s roles in the house straight, and the main character felt a little too much like a caricature for me.

[Merlyn Fereira · Rating 3 out of 5]

The whole story was very slow and I kind of felt lost as to what was actually happening in the story.

I felt that the plot was pretty solid--- a newspaper woman with feministic and equal rights ideas gets called to a haunted castle. But the whole thing wasn't sitting right with me.

I liked the humor and the LGBTQ elements and the Mrs. Greely's pain about loosing her kids. Even Cathie Fox was interesting. But after the 40% mark, the story was just getting dragged.

[Logan Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.

This book was nothing what I expected and I enjoyed it all the more for that. I was shocked at the end in the author’s note to learn that this is based on real events in history. I enjoyed almost everything about this book from the queer representation to the feminist and pro-abolitionist movement. I expected this to be a light horror, but it was made all the more compelling with these serious notes.

[Felix Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this as an ARC on NetGalley.

Loved this. So unique how it connects the politics of 1850 to the start of the Spiritualism movement. Historical fiction with a gothic twist. I found the narrator/protagonist very charming and fun to go along the mystery with. It's not super scary--more of a creepy vibe--but the emotion adds to the themes of belief vs. truth, "modern" medicine/technology and ethics. Cool genre mash up.

[Lace Logan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cover intrigued me and the writing kept pulling me back in. I never wanted to put this down. Victorian seances mixed with horror, a head strong woman that doesn't play but the rules, ghosts, and a bit of a sapphic love affair...count me in. My only reason for not giving it five stars was that they ending fell a little flat for me.

[Critter · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an audio ARC.

This was a quick read, but it didn't feel fully fleshed out. I wish the characters felt a bit more developed. There is a good and interesting story though here, which kept me interested in the book. The narrator also did well and often provided an emotional performance.

[Sarah Olson · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book. I just could not get invested and it was sort of slow and didn't really answer the questions I had. I will say that there must have been something about it because I never quit listening. Maybe I had high hopes and thought it might get better but I wanted to finish it and I did when I could have easily DNF'd it early on.

[Angela Landis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished THE KNOCKING and loved every single page. I'm sad my journey with these characters has ended as I find a new home for it on my bookshelf. Full of suspense and history, Ms Bahr's book takes you on an incredible journey through the eyes of E. A Howe, a plucky female newspaper woman determined to fight for, and inspire justice. I LOVED IT! Can't wait for her next novel.

[Christine Nolfi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bahr conjures a bone-deep Gothic atmosphere in this gripping tale of secrets and the supernatural. When journalist A.E. Howe investigates an eleven-year-old psychic, she is pulled into a mystery shaped by unseen forces—and escalating danger. A haunting, twist-filled read you won’t put down.

[Patrick Bresnahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laura Lee Bahr transports us back to the time of the printing press and when the country was fracturing before the civil war, in the Knocking. The characters are relatable and the pace is excellent. I could vividly imagine the world she created on every page. Don’t miss out on this one!

[Shahdan Hanafi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Will write review soon

[Carolynne Levine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love, love, love this book! It has everything from fighting for equality to intrigue, passion and betrayal… and how we think about the presence of Spirits among us. Historical fiction at it’s best!

[Jackie Welcel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the description of this book sounded so good, and it does describe the book well but for me it was a little disappointing. It may have been that I really didn't like the characters except for Edith. I found the doctors, Jessica, the Martha's and Cathie all unlikeable and annoying, and the part about Mr. Splitfoot seemed very odd. I'm sure some may enjoy the book but for me it was a little bit of a letdown. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Michelle Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

While it started off rather slow, it didn’t take long to get engaging. I enjoyed our protagonist and the array of colorful friends she came into contact with. I find this author to be great fun to read. I like her writing style and thorough world building.

*book received from netgalley