An Immaculate Deception

by Isabela Livino

THE UNMISSABLE GOTHIC HORROR EVENT OF 2026

A LIFE IN LIMBO. A SIN SO SWEET. AN IMMACULATE DECEPTION.

I feel the bond that has been created between me and him - this one made of shadows, the one who pulses in my depths and who promises to fulfil my yearning...

Pernambuco, Brazil, 1877. Raised in a deeply religious household, Madalena knows Dante's Inferno by heart and fears her mother's reaction as much as she fears God. When she falls pregnant with a child conceived in sin, her mother issues a marry or surrender the baby.

Confident that the father, the dashing Leandro Neves, will propose, Madalena sets off to his sprawling estate. After a storm wrecks her carriage, she awakens in Leandro's crumbling mansion, tended to by the magnetic Doctor Lobo. Leandro is there... but he is no longer the charming poet she knew. He's silent. Obsessed. Always watching.

Strange perfume haunts a locked room. Pages vanish from books. Jewels lie untouched in a forgotten wardrobe. And mirrors begin disappearing after Madalena sees something - or someone - ghastly in the reflection.

Leandro is unravelling. Doctor Lobo may be hiding something even darker. Trapped in a decaying house of secrets, Madalena must uncover the truth before the men around her destroy her, and before the hell she fears becomes the one she's living in...

Genres: Horror, Gothic, Historical Fiction, Adult, Historical, Fiction, Gothic Horror

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication September 1, 2026

Reviews

[Nenia Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

AN IMMACULATE DECEPTION was one of my most anticipated books of the year and I'm so happy to report that it lives up to the hype, especially if you are looking for more gothic fiction in non-European settings, with twists that will turn you on your head. Watch out for spoilers when this book comes out! This is the sort of story that is best ventured into cold, and you're going to want to be surprised.

Madalena is a young religious woman living in Brazil in the late-1800s. She also has a problem: she's pregnant out of wedlock, from sleeping with the son of a local wealthy family, Leandro, and now she's afraid to tell her lover the truth because she knows what can happen to unwed young women and the shame that they can bring to their families-- not to mention the peril it puts their immortal souls in.

This book is told in two POVs. The first POV is Madalena's, the second is Leandro's. They're both incredibly different protagonists, which I appreciated. Madalena's is about religious trauma and the dangers of being a woman under the socioreligious institution of the patriarchy. Leandro's is about a man driven by lust and guilt and torment. If you think you know where this book is going-- no, you don't. That's all I'm going to say about that.

IMMACULATE DECEPTION is like a cross between Isabel Canas's THE POSSESSION OF ALBA DIAZ and Guillermo del Toro's Crimson Peak, so if either of those creators speak to you, I think you'd really enjoy this book. Some people are shelving this as horror, which it kind of is, but if you're new to the gothic genre, you should know that the hallmarks of a gothic is slow pacing, atmosphere, and a slow build up of psychological dread. Please adjust your expectations accordingly for an ideal reading experience.

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy!

4 stars

[Nikki Lee (Nikkileethrillseeker) · Rating 5 out of 5]

‼️BANGER ALERT‼️ BANGER ALERT ‼️ BANGER ALERT ‼️ 😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱

We got an official BANGER on our hands! I picked this up an 1am last night, slept a few hours, and woke back up three hours later just to finish this book. Incredibly UNPUTDOWNABLE!

This is a gothic horror lover’s wet dream! An Immaculate Deception is the most atmospheric novel I have read this year. From the beginning, I was completely unsettled. As the story unravels, I could feel the hairs on my neck begin to rise. There are scenes that ultimately terrified me.

GO INTO THIS 100% BLIND!!!!!! TRUST ME! DO NOT READ THE SYNOPSIS. All you need to know is it is 1877 in Brazil.

The twist WHAT 😱😱? Blew my freaking mind! You will be shocked to your core for that final reveal. Believe that!

Please don’t miss one of the most atmospheric and dreadfully gothic horror stories of our time. This one will leave you sleeping with the lights on.

ALL OF THE ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

thank you to Dutton Books and the author for my free copy.

Pub Day 9/1/26

[Erin Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨✨✨A prime example of why I love gothic horror!! ✨✨✨

This is the authors debut? I’m blown away!

👏MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR 9/1/26 and LOCK IN, it’s a wild ride and go in as blind as you can!!!👏

An Immaculate Deception grabbed my attention immediately and kept it the whole way through! This story just kept getting better and better. I really don’t want to give anything away at all. You must read it for yourself!! If the plot summary sounds intriguing, read it. You’ll LOVE it!!! 😍 A new favorite book for me!!!

Whatever this author writes next, I’ll absolutely be reading it!!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a free ebook copy in exchange for an honest review. This book is expected to be released September 1, 2026 .

[Summer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was totally surprised by this one! I had a feeling I would like it before going in, but I didn’t know how completely blown away I would be by it!

An Immaculate Deception reads like a modern day Daphne Du Maurier esque puzzle. It’s part horror, mystery, psychological, all with a gothic atmospheric setting (crumbling old mansion, anyone?). Told with a heavy sense of foreboding and dread, this claustrophobic story had its grip on me from page one until the very end. The story also contains religious themes which add another element to the creepiness factor.

I've seen An Immaculate Conception being compared to so many other works and I have to disagree with all of them. An Immaculate Deception is a completely original and unique work so I see it being one of those books that other books will be compared to in the future.

An Immaculate Deception by Isabela Livino will be available on September 1. Many thanks to Dutton for the gifted copy!

[Jada · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Dutton for providing me with the eARC in exchange for this honest review!


Dawg…. This was a wild ass ride omg. To start by saying that Horror and Gothic Horror are one of my favorite genres to read, so the premise of this intrigued me and BOY did it deliver. The prose and writing style drew me in and kept me LOCKED IN, like I legitimately couldn’t put it down I wanted to do know what was happening and only took a break to eat. I literally don’t want to give anything away about this, it’s best to not read any spoilers because wow, I literally screamed what aloud at the plot twist. 😭 like I would LOVE to do a more in-depth review, but literally I don’t want to give anything away, so please do give this a chance and read it!!

This was an amazing novel, I had such a fun time reading this!!!

[megs_bookrack]

ARC received! Thank you, Dutton. This cover is giving me heavy Isabel Cañas vibes, and I'm so here for it.

I'm excited to pick this one up!!

[Gabrielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating from start to finish with a twist that knocks you on your feet. I enjoyed this so much! I couldn’t stop reading and wondering what might happen next. This is a story that keeps you guessing until the end with characters who take readers on a wild ride.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

My jaw is on the floor I had so many ideas as to what this was going to be and I have never been so wrong!

When Madalena finds herself with child she is hopeful her love Leandro will propose saving her from scandal but when their carriage crashes she finds herself locked in his home where he is distant and the new doctor strange. As she looks for answers she finds herself haunted by a figure lurking on the grounds and unsure of who to trust she finds herself in more trouble than she could have ever imagined.

What a wild ride!

This book is split into two parts and I had read Madalena’s side before bed and had all these ideas as to what this book would be as it felt very Crimson Peak and Rosemary’s Baby and then once I got to the second half all of that shattered so so quickly! The atmosphere is still the same with this strangeness and not knowing who is being truthful and what sort of elements are at play and I could not put it down!

Madalena is such a compelling character so full of hope that her life will be all she dreamed despite her mother’s warnings surrounding men and their responsibility when they father a child. When the crash happens and you see her struggle with this change in Leandro’s behavior you can’t help but feel for her as she tries to make sense of the coldness and other oddities in the home. Leandro too is haunted by his family and what he feels is sin based on his mother’s harsh teachings making him the perfect vessel to be taken advantage of and ask zero questions.

I love that there is this fun sort of is it real or is it trauma lingering in the background and just the isolation of being pregnant in a space where you are without anyone who believes you and how desperate you can become to find salvation.

**special thanks to the publishers and netgalley for providing an arc in exchange for a fair and honest review**

[She’s Stranger Than Fiction · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this in one sitting. This is a book of psychological and religious horror dripping with gothic vibes. Livino successfully pulls the reader in and slowly tightens the screws until the true madness behind it all is revealed. This story is told in first person with Madalena’s POV in the first half and Leandro’s in the second. Both characters are unreliable narrators and very naive which increases the sense of dread. How will they get out of this alive? The plot gets a little twisty, and I was mesmerized. There was some blood, but no graphic violence. Long story short, if you like gothic horror - or just gothic literature - this book was written just for you. I loved it.

This is a review of an uncorrected proof, and the opinions are my own. Thanks to Isabela Livino, Dutton Publishing, and NetGalley for this opportunity.

[Ellie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for a review of this book.

From the beginning, a had a lot of mixed emotions. What drew me in was this idea that it was a blend of The Hacienda and Rosemary's Baby, and in some ways, I think it succeeded in doing that. The plot hooked me in, kept me motivated in understanding the mystery. I was intrigued in understanding why the characters were acting the way they were - I felt intense emotions about how Magdalena was a woman trapped and these men were keeping secrets from her, oppressing her, which I think goes to show how well the writing can be.

However, on the other side, there were times were I was pulled out of the story. Sometimes the writing failed for me. It felt novice when it tried to show Magdalena's desperation, and it repeated itself too much in part two. I felt like I reread the same novel again, and even though I was rereading it in new context, it was still annoying because I was rereading the passages I had just read.

Credit where credit it due, the twist of the novel is spectacular, so if you love a good plot twist, you will love this novel. And if reading from an unreliable narrator is your favorite perspective, this is also for you.

So overall, I did find the plot intriguing and the strongest part of the story. If you care about writing presentation, however, this novel might lack for you.

[Linda Ayala · Rating 2 out of 5]

⭐⭐ 2 Stars (ARC via NetGalley)

Immaculate Deception didn’t quite deliver on what it promised.

Marketed as a horror novel, I was expecting something unsettling or atmospheric, but the story never really reached that level. There were elements that hinted at horror, but nothing that truly built tension or created a sense of fear.

The book is structured in two POVs—Madalena in the first half and Leandro in the second. While the second half does work to explain the first, the initial portion felt scattered and difficult to follow, which made it hard to stay engaged early on. By the time the narrative began to come together, I was already feeling disconnected.

It’s clear the author did extensive research, particularly with the influences of Dante’s Inferno and the historical setting, which added an interesting layer. However, the story lacked depth in character development and struggled with pacing, which ultimately impacted my investment in both the plot and the characters.

There is a twist around the midpoint, but it didn’t land as strongly as it could have, mainly because I wasn’t fully immersed by that point.

Overall, this one had an intriguing concept and strong research behind it, but the execution didn’t come together for me, especially as a horror read.

Tropes & Themes:

• Dual POV structure
• Religious / inferno-inspired themes
• Historical setting
• Psychological elements
• Midpoint twist
• Morality & sin
• Descent / transformation

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This book is much more paranormal thriller than horror. At points it feels like a domestic thriller with a 19th-century Brazilian skin, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. There’s not much sense of place or time; at one point a character’s POV mentions “adrenaline” some 20 years before its discovery. (Note that I read an ARC copy, so the text is not necessarily final and this may be changed before publication.)

I enjoyed the fast pace and the many mysteries that are posed early and quickly in the story. However, I felt that quite a bit of the plot was predicated on inexplicable decisions by the two main characters, even after we know what is going on. Early on, Madalena speaks out of turn without us really understanding why she says the things she does at that time. She should feel more inner conflict than she does if the scene’s later explanation is true. Later, Leandro makes a decision involving the senzala that he can barely explain to himself, let alone the reader. (I’m being vague on purpose; the twist is fun!)

This was an intriguing and entertaining read; I might be the wrong person to fully appreciate it because I ask too many questions about why characters do what they do. People who like their protagonists unhinged maybe have fewer complaints. I did like how much we eventually got to know the protagonists and how they were generally realistic, flawed people. And the epilogue was cool too, even if I wished we came back around to Dante’s Inferno.

I would recommend this book to thriller lovers who want something a little different and people who want to read about creepy occult magic.

Thank you to Netgalley and Dutton for giving me an advance copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.

[Emily Poche · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Dutton for providing this ARC for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

An Immaculate Deception by Isabel Livino feels like a throwback to the classic hyper-dramatic gothic novel. It has it all; tragic carriage accidents, spooky dilapidated mansions in isolated places, mysterious perfume smells and jewels, mesmerism, and more. It really hits the high points for the very well trodden genre of isolated unsettling manors.

Something that I particularly liked about the story was the way Madalena is at odds with herself. She’s deeply religious and has a seemingly encyclopedic knowledge of Dante’s Inferno, especially keen to the details of hell. At the same time, she is convinced that her love for Leandro and her conception of his child out of wedlock isn’t a problem as she is certain he’ll marry her. Her deeply rules-oriented, morality concerned beliefs are shown to be tempted, and she does not always follow her own rules. I love a character that’s full of contradictions and who can be very complicated. I appreciate when the personality of a character isn’t too one-note.

While I really did enjoy the twist in this story, I did find that the second half of the book wasn’t executed as well as the first half. Perhaps the nature of the revelation and the new details simply made it less tense and mysterious. It was still very atmospheric and haunting, even if the plot was easier to parse out.

I recommend this to anyone who enjoys those classic spooky and mysterious manor based stories. More modern readers of Isabel Cañas and Silvia Moreno-Garcia will also really enjoy this title as well 4/5 stars!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, I’d like to say that I am so impressed with how good this author’s debut turned out to be for me! I’d started about 15% of it the other day, and when I picked it up today, I ended up finishing it one sitting because I had to find out just what the heck was going on?!

Part 1 starts off with the FMC, Madalena’s POV after having waken up from a carriage accident she and her boyfriend Leandro (what would they call him in 1877, Brazil? “Man” fiend? “Gentleman” friend? 🤷🏻‍♀️) were involved and in due to a sudden storm striking the event they had been attending. She wakes up in Leandro’s home, but almost immediately she finds things are not right, Leandro isn’t right, and nothing is making sense to her about her situation and surroundings. Crazy ish begins to happen, and soon she’s in a tailspin of confusion and fear. But then we come to Part 2, Leandro’s POV, and I won’t tell you a thing about it because you’re just going to have to read the book!

What I will say about that second part, is how insane it was because it not only answers your questions about Part 1, but delves deeper into some of the crazier aspects of this book. I really had no idea what was going on in that first half, I had theories, but was surprised to find that all of my speculations were wrong and boy was I impressed by how thorough the author was at answering any and all questions I could have had about the happenings in this book!

Another thing I wanted to mention was how much I appreciated the fact that this book really was a solid example of gothic horror, it’s set in Leandro’s large and secluded estate, and Madalena’s experiences are beyond strange and disturbing, leaving her to question so many things about herself and Leandro. I love when the psychological tension is thick, and you feel like you can’t trust anybody! It definitely has you wanting to question everything, lol.

Anyway, to conclude, I really enjoyed this book and will recommend it if you’re a fan of gothic horror, or just horror in general.

Thank you to Dutton via Netgalley for giving me this copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Mary Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Madalena is pregnant, but not yet married. She’s certain the father of the child, Leandro, will be thrilled. As she’s about to tell him about the baby they get into a carriage accident. When she wakes, nothing is as it should be. There are secrets, a heavy presence in Leandro’s house, and Leandro is no longer the warm man she loved. She begins to fear that she is in danger.

What a twist! I was feeling really unsure about this book until everything came together. I don’t want to give too much away and spoil it. But the biggest thing that left the story lacking was a lack of explanation surrounding the “order.” It felt so out of place and without more explanation I felt confused.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy!

[The Witch · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Immaculate Deception is a dark gothic novel that blends psychological horror, mystery, and religious themes into an oppressive and unsettling atmosphere. Set in Brazil in 1877, the story follows Madalena, a young woman raised in a deeply religious environment who finds herself in an isolated mansion after an accident, only to discover that nothing is quite as it seems.

What impressed me the most was the atmosphere. The decaying mansion, the secrets hidden behind every door, and the constant feeling that something sinister is drawing near create a tension that never allows you to fully relax. The author masterfully uses classic gothic elements, isolation, paranoia, and decay, to build a haunting and captivating story.

Madalena is an easy protagonist to sympathize with, caught between the guilt imposed on her by society and her desire to take control of her own destiny. The novel explores themes such as religious oppression, female autonomy, motherhood, and the effects of shame on personal identity. Beyond its horror elements, the story is also a thoughtful examination of how fear can shape entire lives.

The pacing is slower in the first half, with a strong focus on atmosphere and mystery. However, the patience required is rewarded with surprising revelations and a plot twist that completely changes the reader’s perspective on the events. While some sections may feel repetitive, the ending delivers enough impact to leave a lasting impression.

I especially appreciated the way the author transforms faith and guilt into sources of horror. Rather than relying on quick scares, the novel builds a constant sense of unease, making the line between reality and nightmare increasingly difficult to distinguish.

A perfume that appears where it shouldn't, disappearing mirrors, and a house that seems to harbor secrets of its own create the constant feeling that evil is lurking just out of sight. These details turn the mansion into a character in its own right and contribute to the suffocating atmosphere that defines the entire novel.

[Cheyanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Immaculate Deception by Isabela Livino

Rating: ★★★★★

Genre: Gothic Horror / Historical Psychological Horror

Tags: #GothicHorror #PsychologicalHorror #StrangersToStrangers #Occult

A haunting example of modern gothic horror that fans of Mexican Gothic will love.

Magdalena is a young woman stifled by the social etiquette of 1870s Brazil. She can’t read what she wants, she can’t say what she wants, and she can’t do what she wants. Her mother is never far away, nagging her to be proper, and the soundtrack of hell seems to play endlessly in her ears. All this comes to a head when it’s revealed that Magdalena is with child, conceived out of wedlock. She has no doubts that her lover, Leandro Neves, will set things right, but an unexpected accident sends her plans up in flames. She awakes unharmed in the Neves’ home, but something has happened to Leandro—and he isn’t quite right.

Livino crafts a dark, claustrophobic ambiance by drawing a deliberate parallel between physical and societal/religious entrapment. The visceral descriptions of the senzala (slave quarters), complete with historical torture devices and shackles, serve as the grim emotional anchor of the estate. This feeling of confinement is echoed again and again in the choice-barren lives of the women living inside the house, unable to act on their own behalf.

While the suspense in the first half is incredibly gripping, the pacing accelerates significantly in the second half. I found myself wishing the narrative had unwound just a bit slower—not because the progression didn’t make sense, but because the tension was so masterfully crafted that I simply wanted to savor it longer. However, that rushed momentum is entirely redeemed by the payoff: it has been a long time since a book’s ending truly surprised me, and this twist caught me completely off guard in the best way possible.

I received an advanced copy of this book via Netgalley.

[Syndrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Usually I'm rather good at picking up on foreshadowing and being able to correctly guess the answers behind mysteries in thriller novels but "An Immaculate Deception" was one of the few that has managed to blindside me, and I'm glad that it did!

This is a rather fast paced novel that definitely leans more to the sides of psychological or domestic thriller, and I'd have to say it's a pretty strong debut! Although some parts of the prose did feel a bit lackluster to me, I think Livino did a great job at portraying the character's emotions and that helped make up for the more lackluster areas. You could definitely feel Madalena's fear growing day by day alongside Leandro's increasing inner turmoil. The rather quick plot development made this into a real page-turner for me and I just wanted to keep reading so I could figure out exactly what was going on between Madalena, Leandro, and the mysterious Doctor Lobo.

The novel is split into two different parts with the first being in Madalena's POV and the second in Leandro's and I think this was the perfect layout for this particular story. Having both of their perspectives really added an additional layer of depth to the story and made the reveals much more satisfying in the end. This is definitely one of those novels where you'll be able to appreciate the first half way more after finishing the whole thing.

I'd definitely recommend this to fans of gothic thrillers who are looking for a quick, entertaining read! There are some horror elements but it's not overly grotesque or frightening, so it might be a good pick for readers who aren't too good with horror but want to take a chance on a darker story.

(I received an advance review copy of this book from the publisher, Dutton, via NetGalley and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.)

[Jensen McCorkel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully written yet profoundly unsettling. An Immaculate Deception is a lush and claustrophobic Gothic horror debut that transforms faith, desire, and motherhood into sources of terror. What I loved most were the themes woven beneath the horror. The novel digs into shame, religious oppression, motherhood, and the crushing pressure placed on women by society. Even before the supernatural elements fully emerge, Madalena’s fear feels deeply authentic and unsettling.

The ambiguity also worked beautifully. The story never gives you complete certainty about whether the horrors are supernatural, psychological, or some uneasy mix of both, and that lingering uncertainty keeps the tension alive long after each chapter ends.

Still, the atmosphere is easily the novel’s greatest strength. Livino writes with a lush, almost dreamlike style that transforms every corridor, thunderstorm, candlelit room, and whispered exchange into something intensely vivid and immersive. The Pernambuco setting gives the story a distinct personality, and the fusion of tropical decay with traditional Gothic horror creates a haunting, oppressive mood that lingers throughout.

That said, the novel takes its time building tension, and while the atmosphere remains compelling from beginning to end, I found myself wishing for a bit more momentum before the major revelations arrived.

Overall, An Immaculate Deception is a richly crafted Gothic horror debut with a striking setting and an unforgettable sense of claustrophobia. Rather than relying on jump scares, the novel leans into slow-burning dread, emotional suffocation, and the creeping sense that something ancient and corrupted is quietly watching from within the house itself.

[Missy (myweereads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The utmost deep, the darkest place, the furthest from the sky's all turning sphere..."

Isabela Lovino's novel is set in Brazil, 1877. Madalena was raised in a religious family and therefore is familiar with Dante's Inferno by heart, she is in fear of her mother's reactions as much as God. When she falls pregnant with a child out of wedlock, her mother gives her a threating choice, marry or give up the baby. Convinced that the baby's father will propose, Madalena leaves for Leandro's estate. Due to a storm her carriage is in a wreck, she awakens in Leandro's mansion being cared by Doctor Lobo. Something feels very off as Leandro isn't his usual self, things he told her appear to be untrue and she feels uneasy staying there. Soon the Doctor himself begins to display odd behaviour that leads her to a dark truth.

I was not sure what to expect when I started this novel. It begins with the point of view from Madalena from when she finds out about her pregnancy. Her character is a young woman and you do sympathise with her for the very few options she has. As the other characters are introduced there are many things to keep tabs on as much more is revealed in the next part. This is told from the perspective of Leandro.

I liked the dual points of view because both reveal something significant and quite astonishing as the story moves on. There is a big twist that didn't come out of nowhere but I was a little slow in catching on 🙈

Overall though this was a thrilling gothic horror story that will appeal to many readers. It is described as a gothic horror similar to "Mexican Gothic" and "A Dowry of Blood"

Many thanks to @orionbooks for the copy.

[Adam Deher · Rating 5 out of 5]

FIRST- there are major twists to this story. Be careful reading reviews and descriptions. You want to go in fresh with this one.

This was one of the most mind bending books I have read in ages. Normally I am not a fan of adult gothic thrillers, but I could not put this one down and finished it in 3 days. The story starts off simple enough - a young woman is pregnant out of wedlock and what is she to do. But then it takes a turn and all bets are off. Rosemary’s baby had an easier ride.

But it’s so much more than that. The story is set in the oppressive setting of rural Brazil under the rigid doctrine of the Catholic Church. The author deftly weaves in themes and ideas from Dante and the inferno - questioning belief and dogma but also redemption and faith. The main character, Madalena is isolated to a country farm and begins to not believe even the most obvious things she sees. The few around her are doing everything they can to support her. There are real themes around family and a hard look into loving and hating someone so close to you. How do you reconcile those feelings? There are no heroes and villains in this book. Well, there might be a few villains. But everyone has a reason. It’s is not simple banal evil for evil’s sake.

The tension and anxiety just keeps pushing and pushing on your chest till you have to put the book down. But then you immediately have to pick it up again. And it is creepy. Have you ever been weirded out by a piece of cake? You will be after this book. Can’t recommend it enough.

[Katrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

An Immaculate Deception is a promising debut by Isabela Livino. Set in 1870s Brazil, Madalena, who hails from a deeply religious family, finds herself pregnant by her lover, the charismatic Leandro Neves.

She's confident that he will do right by her and ask for her hand in marriage, but before Madalena can break the news, the carriage they are travelling in is involved in an accident.

Madalena wakes in Leandro's family house under the care of the charming Dr Lobo. Worryingly, while Madalena seems to be on the mend, Leandro wanders the house like a wraith, saying little and refusing to meet her eyes. The family home, which she's heard so much about, is crumbling and filled with shadows.

If that's not enough, the decrepit building has evidence of another woman living under its roof — and worse still, they won't let her leave to return to her family.

Less of a horror story and more of a paranormal thriller, An Immaculate Deception is fast-paced with an excellent plot. There were a number of leg sweeps along the way, all set against a delightful gothic backdrop that was a joy to take in.

Admittedly, I wasn't too sure about some of the novel's structure. Told from two viewpoints, the second half of the story, while containing some startling revelations, covers a lot of old ground, which did feel a tad repetitive. I also felt there was a little tonal inconsistency here and there, but it wasn't too problematic.

Nevertheless, this was a fun and thrilling read. I look forward to more works by Livino.

With thanks to Orion for the ARC.

[Elisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This historical Gothic novel in the vein of Silvia Moreno-Garcia and Isabel Cañas is so good, that it’s hard to believe that it is a debut… The writing is accomplished, the world-building well crafted and the plot is just perfect! Madalena is with child and unmarried. She knows that her sweetheart, Leandro, will marry her and all will be well but; as she is about to get his proposal, their carriage crashes. When she wakes up, she’s stuck in his family’s dilapidated mansion and Leandro is acting very oddly. Is the house haunted? Why is there a creepy room that looks recently used? What is up with Leandro and who is the dreamy doctor taking care of her? More importantly, who is the woman haunting the fazienda? Madalena is a likable protagonist. She’s strangely obsessed with Dante’s Divine Comedy and is terrified of sinning, but she’s easy to root for. The writing is so atmospheric, that you can almost hear the mosquitoes flying around. Some images are very powerful (a nest of vipers made my skin crawl, and I love snakes), and the isolation, decrepitude and social pressures have almost their own weight. And the big reveal? Wow. I’m seldom so blindsided by anything anymore, but this one surprised me. There are a few things that are hard to talk about without spoiling the plot, so you may not want to read what’s next. Let’s just say that some parts could have been repetitive, but aren’t. An excellent read, I can’t recommend this high enough.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Dutton.

[Alexandra Morales · Rating 4 out of 5]

****Many thanks to Netgalley and Dutton for an advanced eArc in exchange for my honest opinion****

A fast paced 4 star read!

I was HOOKED from the start and found I could not put this book down! It grips you, I found myself muttering "wtf is going on??" more then a couple of times and the TWIST? I did not see coming at all!

I love a book that doesn't mind toying with your perception of reality and this one does it so easily. For a debut novel this wasn't bogged down with overly descriptive passages. I knew where I was at at all times. I saw the ruby red and peachy orange sunrises, heard the macaws fluttering amongst the deep green jungle and felt the humidity and fat drops of torrential rain. Felt the oppressive presence of the violet rose room and could see the shadows had eyes.

Madalena's POV had me CREEPED out. Felt like a fever dream and I was just as confused as she was. The biggest question on my mind was WHAT. HAPPENED. TO. LEONDRO??

Leondro's POV just tilted what I thought I knew on an entirely different plane. Connections were made, points I was confused about started to make sense. The ending drove it home for me.

I wanted to read this closer to publishing date but a point had to be made.

Would definitely recommend for others to add to Spooky-tober lists and I will eventually get a nice hard cover for my bookshelf just so I can go back and reread it every October.

[luceski · Rating 4 out of 5]

A crumbling Brazilian fazenda, strange behaviour, mouldy cake being preserved like a family heirloom, locked rooms, ghostly mirrors and a doctor with far too much interest in hypnotism and occult rituals? Yes please.

Set in 1877 Pernambuco, this absolutely scratched the gothic horror itch for me. The atmosphere is thick with decay, secrets and that creeping feeling that something is deeply wrong from the very beginning. Every character felt like they were hiding something - especially Leandro, who radiates the energy of a man one bad day away from becoming a full blown Victorian weirdo.

I went into this hoping for ghosts and haunted house vibes and while it isn’t quite the story I expected, it completely pulled me in. I loved how unsettling the whole thing felt. So many little details had me side-eyeing everyone and questioning what was really going on. The story constantly keeps you off balance in the best way.

There’s a real classic gothic feel here mixed with psychological horror, family secrets, obsession, repression and cultish occult nonsense (complimentary). It also gave me strong Identity vibes with the paranoia and unraveling reality feel running through it.

For a debut novel, this was ridiculously impressive. Moody, dramatic and just the right amount of unhinged.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

[Fatima · Rating 4 out of 5]

•• I received an advance copy of this book at no charge. Thank you NetGalley & Dutton for the chance to arc. This is my Review and my honest thoughts. ••

I did not expect the turn of events that this book did. My brain was literally working each and every page until it finally clicked and it ALL made sense. I recommend this one if you want a story of two separate povs in two different parts that come together towards the end. The way my brain was working and slowly piecing things, the plot twist as Madalena discovers what's happening. Most of all I loved how I was gathering my suspicions, my predictions, and my note taking only for the rug to be pulled from under me and be something completely unexpected. Notes out the window!

This is very atmospheric and Gothic but honestly a wild ride that I recommend you pay close attention to because damn the twists. You follow Madalena a young woman who is in love with Leandro. You follow their love story and the events that transpire. Yet, you are also solving the mystery behind it, the secrets, the tragic event, the trauma, and finally that sweet satisfaction as the story finally clicks and there's connection between both parts. Did I mention there's black magic and occult? No, well there is. I cannot tell you more or risk spilling all. Add this to your TBR when it comes out 09/01/26!

[Savanha · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Immaculate Deception was such a wild, unsettling ride. Gothic horror is one of my favorite genres, and this had exactly the kind of dark, oppressive atmosphere I love. From the isolated mansion to the strange behavior of the people around Madalena, there was a constant feeling that something was deeply wrong.

I do not want to give too much away because this is the kind of book that works best when you go in without spoilers. The mystery, the religious undertones, the psychological unease, and the haunting imagery all build together in a way that kept me completely hooked. I kept questioning what was real, who could be trusted, and where the story was actually going.

Madalena was such an easy character to feel for. Her fear, confusion, hope, and isolation made the story feel even more intense. The first half leans heavily into atmosphere and slow-building dread, but once the story shifts, everything starts to unravel in a way I was not expecting at all.

This book had me fully invested, and the twist genuinely caught me off guard. If you enjoy gothic horror with mystery, religious themes, psychological tension, and an eerie “what is actually happening?” feeling, I would definitely recommend giving this one a chance.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Dutton for this advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Amy Hurt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prepare to be confused for a good portion of this book, but hang in there, because it's totally worth it.
For much of the story, I was trying to fit the plot into one of the familiar twists and reveals that thriller authors often use. I kept guessing where the story was headed, only to discover I was completely wrong and glad for it.
To be honest, Madalena's POV started to feel a little dull, confusing and a little annoying (mostly due to her personality) for me, right up until her final chapter. Once we shifted into Leandro's POV, the mystery really began to unfold, and suddenly all the pieces started coming together. The twist was both surprising and satisfying, tying everything together in a way that made the earlier confusion feel completely worthwhile.
The author does a great job blending historical fiction and thriller elements. While the book is categorized as horror, I found it leaned much more toward gothic thriller than outright horror. The atmosphere is unsettling and suspenseful rather than genuinely frightening, which worked well for me.The resolution felt a little too easy for me, which is part of why this wasn't quite a five-star read. However, I appreciated that the ending remained slightly open and eeri.

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

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Recieved ARC from NetGalley) I'll start by saying I went a little easy on the book because it's a debut author and a really, really unique and interesting story. That said, it's not perfect. The writing style didn't consistently feel historic (a minor complaint, but I like feeling immersed), and there were some really cool horror aspects that I wish were just a taaaad more prevalent. At the end of the day, I'm glad those elements made it in and I think it was still a fair amount. I was expecting something like The Hacienda or Mexican Gothic, but this story starts a little like that but goes off the rails before the 50% mark. Certain aspects of what I thought were kinda right, but ultimately I didn't guess what had happened. I read the last 80% of the book in one sitting because I NEEDED to know what happens. I can't say much about the plot without giving anything away, but just know that the beginning starts off slow, but it's NOT what you expect. Even if you think you know because you know it's not what you think. There were some minor flaws, but the book was so original. I'll be keeping an eye out for this author and hopes she makes more books with this theme. It felt like a 60s horror movie in the best way and I need more!

[amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

a HUGE thank you to netgalley and hutton books for my eARC! this is my honest review of an immaculate deception by isabela livino!

there's a few things that will draw me to a book like a moth to a flame and 'an immaculate deception' had them all. gothic horror? check. a rich historical setting? check. a wilful and spirited main character?? check! a tortured & lonely soul longing for meaning? check check check! when i got approval for my arc i nearly screamed i was SO excited!

this novel was beautifully written with atmosphere, dread and an undercurrent that something is... off. i initially saw the dual POV and i was so curious as to what was in store and i was NOT disappointed. it was a masterful way to tell the story of madalena and leandro. i was absolutely glued to these pages and my jaw dropped several times. my annotations went from regular note taking to ALL CAPS in my theories and what ifs, and lots and lots of ??????????? this story took me by surprise and did not go where i thought it would! it was a wild ride and i loved every second.

needless to say i'm so impressed at this author's debut novel, and i cannot wait for release date to get my own physical copy. this was a fantastic story and i'm looking forward to reading what this author will write next!