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Beyond the Graves Waits Mist and Sea
A marine biologist’s search for an undiscovered species of octopus leads her to an isolated island where long-buried memories rise like specters from the deep, intent on dragging her darkest truths to the surface…
From the author of The Entirely True Story of the Fantastical Mesmerist Nora Grey, this hauntingly evocative novel is perfect for fans of Emilia Hart’s The Sirens, Sarah Penner’s The Amalfi Curse, and Adrienne Young.
Twenty nautical miles off the coast of Boston lies Bell Island, shrouded in fog, mystery, and legend. Historically a refuge for women fleeing the hysteria of the Salem Witch Trials in the 1600s and a way station on the Underground Railroad for runaway slaves in the 1800s, the island is isolated and rumored to be haunted by spirits and . . . other things.
It is to Bell Island that microbial biologist Harper Hafdóttir ventures in search of evidence of a new species of octopus, Thalassa, possibly lurking below the swirling water’s surface. Along with her equipment, and her luggage, Harper carries with her the burden of past trauma and vivid, recurring dreams.
Swept up in unexplained phenomena ranging from increased seismic activity and a boat-capsizing rogue wave to encounters with island creatures that defy explanation, Harper looks to the island’s venerated if mysterious mayor for answers. Lady Loreana Bell comes from a single matriarchal line that has ruled the island for 400 years—and seems to have been expecting Harper’s arrival.
It is within the walls of Bell Manor—its gothic grandeur matched only by the intensity of Harper’s deja vu—that she discovers the 1690 journal of a young woman in the grips of a religious cult. As a tsunami threatens the island, Harper finds herself on the verge of a revelation that will ultimately unlock the mystery of her haunted dreams and disclose her true purpose on Bell Island . . .
From the author of The Entirely True Story of the Fantastical Mesmerist Nora Grey, this hauntingly evocative novel is perfect for fans of Emilia Hart’s The Sirens, Sarah Penner’s The Amalfi Curse, and Adrienne Young.
Twenty nautical miles off the coast of Boston lies Bell Island, shrouded in fog, mystery, and legend. Historically a refuge for women fleeing the hysteria of the Salem Witch Trials in the 1600s and a way station on the Underground Railroad for runaway slaves in the 1800s, the island is isolated and rumored to be haunted by spirits and . . . other things.
It is to Bell Island that microbial biologist Harper Hafdóttir ventures in search of evidence of a new species of octopus, Thalassa, possibly lurking below the swirling water’s surface. Along with her equipment, and her luggage, Harper carries with her the burden of past trauma and vivid, recurring dreams.
Swept up in unexplained phenomena ranging from increased seismic activity and a boat-capsizing rogue wave to encounters with island creatures that defy explanation, Harper looks to the island’s venerated if mysterious mayor for answers. Lady Loreana Bell comes from a single matriarchal line that has ruled the island for 400 years—and seems to have been expecting Harper’s arrival.
It is within the walls of Bell Manor—its gothic grandeur matched only by the intensity of Harper’s deja vu—that she discovers the 1690 journal of a young woman in the grips of a religious cult. As a tsunami threatens the island, Harper finds herself on the verge of a revelation that will ultimately unlock the mystery of her haunted dreams and disclose her true purpose on Bell Island . . .
384 pages, Paperback
First published September 29, 2026
About the author
Kathleen Kaufman
10 books268 followersKathleen Kaufman is the bestselling author of magical realism and feminist gothic horror novels, including The Entirely True Story of the Fantastical Mesmerist Nora Grey, Beyond the Graves Waits Mist and Sea, Hag, and the Diabhal trilogy. Her novel The Lairdbalor has been optioned by Screen Australia for a feature-film adaptation helmed by award-winning director Nicholas Verso. A Colorado native and graduate of the University of Southern California, she currently works as an English instructor and lives in Los Angeles with her husband, son, kitten, and hound. Visit her online at KathleenKaufman.com.
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Want to Read
June 7, 2026If a book features an octopus, I'm probably at least going to give it a whirl. Especially if there are elements of the strange...and possibly supernatural. Also, Boston. Fun.
Click here to hear more about this book and my other anticipated releases of the upcoming quarter over on my Booktube channel, abookolive!
Click here to hear more about this book and my other anticipated releases of the upcoming quarter over on my Booktube channel, abookolive!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Actual Rating: 2.5/5 stars, rounded down
Although there’s a lot to like here, I have to be honest and say that this book and I never clicked. On paper, it had all the potential to become something I loved. In reality, I feel this was far more forgettable than I wanted it to be…
The Story:
Marine biologist Harper Hafdóttir travels to the isolated Bell Island off the coast of Boston to search for evidence of a mysterious new species of octopus. But the fog-shrouded island holds secrets far older—and darker—than the creatures beneath its waters. As Harper experiences haunting dreams, strange phenomena, and unsettling encounters, she discovers a centuries-old journal connected to the island’s troubled history. With a devastating storm and tsunami threatening Bell Island, Harper must unravel the mystery surrounding her past and discover why she seems to have been drawn there before it is too late.
What I liked:
Ocean-themes, a “gothic horror” label, a female scientist protagonist and an atmospheric Icelandic setting: this synopsis seemed to be written for me personally. Unfortunately I felt a little catfished by half of them. The ocean themes and the atmosphere were strong, and having been to Iceland last year, I could vividly picture the novel being set there. Although I liked the atmosphere that Kaufman created, I wouldn’t call it horror, let alone Gothic horror. Magical realism, folk-mystery or dark fairytale feels more fitting. This is neither positive or negative; just different from what I was expecting based off the synopsis and tags.
The same can be said for the science-element, which was far less present than I’d hoped it to be. Harper’s PhD never feels truly relevant to her character or the story, other than to place her in the location where the plot needs her to be.
What I didn’t like:
I have already mentioned a few personal disappointments for me, but here’s where we get to the more “objective” issues.
The book feel incredibly long and drawn out. There’s about 250 pages worth of story in here, dragged out to a length of almost 400 pages, and it becomes tedious and repetitive in the process. Harper experiences countless, almost identical dream sequences, which I didn’t enjoy the first time round, and became to truly detest by the 8th time… The same can be argued for the repetitive journal entries; nothing of value would’ve been lost by cutting the 4th to 9th repetition… Had this not been a review-copy, I would have DNF-ed it about half-way through.
Then there’s the characters. Harper often felt more like a plot-vehicle to whom events just happened, than a character living her own life on page. She is introduced as a strong willed biologist, devoted to her research, with a bit of a twisted sense of humor when it comes to her theme-parties. I actually really liked the dynamic and character that was set up in that first scene at the party. However, by the time we reach the island, Harper reads like a completely different person. Her willingness to abandon any scientific logic (and research pursuits in general) and embrace the supernatural explanations that – for all she knows – are just ancient folklore, felt unbelievable.
I had a difficult time keeping track of the side characters. Not because there were so many, but because none of them felt distinct enough to latch on to. This was specifically a problem with Lady Bell, who is framed to be a fascinating, mysterious and deeply charismatic character. The story hinges on our intrigue with her. Unfortunately, she’s written with the charisma of a wet piece of cardboard, leaving me utterly uninterested in anything to do with her storyline.
Speaking of mystery and intrigue: many ARC-readers seemed to enjoy this aspect of the book. Unfortunately, I found the foreshadowing to be too heavy-handed to truly experience any of it.
Many thanks to Kensington Press for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Although there’s a lot to like here, I have to be honest and say that this book and I never clicked. On paper, it had all the potential to become something I loved. In reality, I feel this was far more forgettable than I wanted it to be…
The Story:
Marine biologist Harper Hafdóttir travels to the isolated Bell Island off the coast of Boston to search for evidence of a mysterious new species of octopus. But the fog-shrouded island holds secrets far older—and darker—than the creatures beneath its waters. As Harper experiences haunting dreams, strange phenomena, and unsettling encounters, she discovers a centuries-old journal connected to the island’s troubled history. With a devastating storm and tsunami threatening Bell Island, Harper must unravel the mystery surrounding her past and discover why she seems to have been drawn there before it is too late.
What I liked:
Ocean-themes, a “gothic horror” label, a female scientist protagonist and an atmospheric Icelandic setting: this synopsis seemed to be written for me personally. Unfortunately I felt a little catfished by half of them. The ocean themes and the atmosphere were strong, and having been to Iceland last year, I could vividly picture the novel being set there. Although I liked the atmosphere that Kaufman created, I wouldn’t call it horror, let alone Gothic horror. Magical realism, folk-mystery or dark fairytale feels more fitting. This is neither positive or negative; just different from what I was expecting based off the synopsis and tags.
The same can be said for the science-element, which was far less present than I’d hoped it to be. Harper’s PhD never feels truly relevant to her character or the story, other than to place her in the location where the plot needs her to be.
What I didn’t like:
I have already mentioned a few personal disappointments for me, but here’s where we get to the more “objective” issues.
The book feel incredibly long and drawn out. There’s about 250 pages worth of story in here, dragged out to a length of almost 400 pages, and it becomes tedious and repetitive in the process. Harper experiences countless, almost identical dream sequences, which I didn’t enjoy the first time round, and became to truly detest by the 8th time… The same can be argued for the repetitive journal entries; nothing of value would’ve been lost by cutting the 4th to 9th repetition… Had this not been a review-copy, I would have DNF-ed it about half-way through.
Then there’s the characters. Harper often felt more like a plot-vehicle to whom events just happened, than a character living her own life on page. She is introduced as a strong willed biologist, devoted to her research, with a bit of a twisted sense of humor when it comes to her theme-parties. I actually really liked the dynamic and character that was set up in that first scene at the party. However, by the time we reach the island, Harper reads like a completely different person. Her willingness to abandon any scientific logic (and research pursuits in general) and embrace the supernatural explanations that – for all she knows – are just ancient folklore, felt unbelievable.
I had a difficult time keeping track of the side characters. Not because there were so many, but because none of them felt distinct enough to latch on to. This was specifically a problem with Lady Bell, who is framed to be a fascinating, mysterious and deeply charismatic character. The story hinges on our intrigue with her. Unfortunately, she’s written with the charisma of a wet piece of cardboard, leaving me utterly uninterested in anything to do with her storyline.
Speaking of mystery and intrigue: many ARC-readers seemed to enjoy this aspect of the book. Unfortunately, I found the foreshadowing to be too heavy-handed to truly experience any of it.
Many thanks to Kensington Press for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Kaufman delivers a heady atmosphere weighted in layers that once stripped, reveal a rich narrative steeped in historical horrors that threaten to swallow our main character, Harper, whole. Beyond the Graves Waits Mist and Sea is an atmospheric, Gothic read that, like the tide, slowly creeps up on the unsuspecting only to drag them out to sea.
October 8, 2026
The publisher's description of Beyond the Graves Waits Mist and Sea begins "A marine biologist’s search for an undiscovered species of octopus leads her to an isolated island where long-buried memories rise like specters from the deep, intent on dragging her darkest truths to the surface…"
I was expecting a narrative that balanced the daily realities of a life in science with the central character's gradually revealed back-story. There's very little of the first, significant amounts of the second, and also a very generous helping of magical realism. This is not a complaint, but description. I didn't get what I'd expected from Kaufman's novel, but what I did get kept me engaged and guessing, in the way one does when reading a title where expectations are certain to be challenged.
You will enjoy Beyond the Graves Waits mist and Sea if you enjoy
• characters whose find their own past a mystery
• folklore
• island populations distrustful of outsiders
• lesbian romance—viewed as sweet, rather than controversial
• a dangerous ocean and violent storms
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via Edelweiss+; the opinions are my own.
I was expecting a narrative that balanced the daily realities of a life in science with the central character's gradually revealed back-story. There's very little of the first, significant amounts of the second, and also a very generous helping of magical realism. This is not a complaint, but description. I didn't get what I'd expected from Kaufman's novel, but what I did get kept me engaged and guessing, in the way one does when reading a title where expectations are certain to be challenged.
You will enjoy Beyond the Graves Waits mist and Sea if you enjoy
• characters whose find their own past a mystery
• folklore
• island populations distrustful of outsiders
• lesbian romance—viewed as sweet, rather than controversial
• a dangerous ocean and violent storms
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via Edelweiss+; the opinions are my own.
July 26, 2026
I’d like to thank Goodreads, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to review an advance edition of this upcoming novel. All thoughts and takeaways below are my own.
A most unusual, original, enjoyable story. The synopsis alluded to a historical fiction - magical realism blended genre. For me, it came across as dual timeline magical realism, with one storyline taking place more than 300 years ago. Cats and strong women characters are front and center. Yes to both, btw. The author’s notes include a description of the Norwegian Forest cat. One of our feline protagonists is a real such cat who adopted and accompanied our author on her research for the book. Very cool!
A most unusual, original, enjoyable story. The synopsis alluded to a historical fiction - magical realism blended genre. For me, it came across as dual timeline magical realism, with one storyline taking place more than 300 years ago. Cats and strong women characters are front and center. Yes to both, btw. The author’s notes include a description of the Norwegian Forest cat. One of our feline protagonists is a real such cat who adopted and accompanied our author on her research for the book. Very cool!
October 2, 2026
What a disappointment.
I wanted more maritime horror. More strange creatures. More science stuff. I got none of it. I don't know if it even qualifies as horror.
The plot unfolded extremely slowly. That was not what I expected from a novel labelled as "horror" and "mystery". I needed some elements to hook me right away. Harper certainly wasn't a fully-fleshed character. The first half was a dreadful slog.
The real mystery deals with a woman falsely accused of witchcraft. How original. There has recently been an explosion of books about witches. But there is more to women's history than false accusations of witchcraft. Sadly, that part was just torture porn. Long and useless torture porn. It is a miracle that Meg didn't die from sepsis.
I wanted more maritime horror. More strange creatures. More science stuff. I got none of it. I don't know if it even qualifies as horror.
The plot unfolded extremely slowly. That was not what I expected from a novel labelled as "horror" and "mystery". I needed some elements to hook me right away. Harper certainly wasn't a fully-fleshed character. The first half was a dreadful slog.
The real mystery deals with a woman falsely accused of witchcraft. How original. There has recently been an explosion of books about witches. But there is more to women's history than false accusations of witchcraft. Sadly, that part was just torture porn. Long and useless torture porn. It is a miracle that Meg didn't die from sepsis.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
*Thank you to Kensington for a complimentary arc of Beyond the Graves Waits Mist and Sea. All opinions expressed are my own.*
If there’s a book with an ominous setting, folklore, a haunting and isolated island, and octopi, I will find it and devour it. Beyond the Graves Waits Mist and Sea was no exception. Let me tell you why you should devour it too.
The worldbuilding was as immersive and vivid as it was eerie, blending unique elements of Icelandic folklore with historical details to create an island that felt genuinely haunting. There was something about the setting and prose that made me question what was being shown on the page, and expecting alternate motivations without knowing what or why.
The prose is beautiful, and the alternating perspectives of Harper and Meg build suspense in such a natural way. Every answer seemed to create another question, and before I knew it, I was struggling to put the book down because I needed to know what was waiting around the next corner.
I’ll admit, when I started reading, I was hoping for a bigger focus on the Thalassa and the octopus research. But I became so swept up in the plot and setting that I’m actually glad Kaufman took the story in a direction that ultimately gave me more suspense. The Thalassa itself made for an ominous presence and complemented the storyline perfectly.
Harper’s dreams were another favourite element for me. Watching them slowly click into place within the larger story added another layer of depth and intrigue, especially when combined with the strange occurrences on the island and the unsettling atmosphere. Together, these elements made for a surprisingly perfect gothic fantasy horror that kept my attention from beginning to end.
And as a bonus, the nod to Kaufman’s previous book, The Entirely True Story of the Fantastical Mesmerist Nora Grey, brought along some nostalgia that was very much appreciated.
Beyond the Graves Waits Mist and Sea reveals its secrets slowly, taking just the right amount of time for all the pieces to fall into place. If you enjoy eerie isolated islands, Icelandic folklore, historical elements, cats and octopuses, and a gothic story that comes with suspense and intrigue, this is one to add to your list.
If there’s a book with an ominous setting, folklore, a haunting and isolated island, and octopi, I will find it and devour it. Beyond the Graves Waits Mist and Sea was no exception. Let me tell you why you should devour it too.
The worldbuilding was as immersive and vivid as it was eerie, blending unique elements of Icelandic folklore with historical details to create an island that felt genuinely haunting. There was something about the setting and prose that made me question what was being shown on the page, and expecting alternate motivations without knowing what or why.
The prose is beautiful, and the alternating perspectives of Harper and Meg build suspense in such a natural way. Every answer seemed to create another question, and before I knew it, I was struggling to put the book down because I needed to know what was waiting around the next corner.
I’ll admit, when I started reading, I was hoping for a bigger focus on the Thalassa and the octopus research. But I became so swept up in the plot and setting that I’m actually glad Kaufman took the story in a direction that ultimately gave me more suspense. The Thalassa itself made for an ominous presence and complemented the storyline perfectly.
Harper’s dreams were another favourite element for me. Watching them slowly click into place within the larger story added another layer of depth and intrigue, especially when combined with the strange occurrences on the island and the unsettling atmosphere. Together, these elements made for a surprisingly perfect gothic fantasy horror that kept my attention from beginning to end.
And as a bonus, the nod to Kaufman’s previous book, The Entirely True Story of the Fantastical Mesmerist Nora Grey, brought along some nostalgia that was very much appreciated.
Beyond the Graves Waits Mist and Sea reveals its secrets slowly, taking just the right amount of time for all the pieces to fall into place. If you enjoy eerie isolated islands, Icelandic folklore, historical elements, cats and octopuses, and a gothic story that comes with suspense and intrigue, this is one to add to your list.
September 26, 2026
I forgot Beyond the Graves Waits Mist and Sea was on my Kindle until a few nights ago, and I’m SO glad I opened it. I loved it!!
Harper is searching for evidence of an undiscovered species of octopus when she travels to Bell Island. The island has a history of sheltering people who had nowhere else to go, along with stories of spirits and other things that may still be there. Harper brings her own trauma and recurring dreams with her, and soon the island begins to feel strangely familiar. Its mayor seems to have been expecting her, and a journal from 1690 raises even more questions.
I kept reading because I needed to know what Bell Island was hiding. I can say that what I THOUGHT was happening was not what it was. 😆 I love it when an author bests me. Which probably isn’t super hard to do, but still! 😁
Now I need to read Kathleen Kaufman’s The Entirely True Story of the Fantastical Mesmerist Nora Grey, which I happened to win on Goodreads a few weeks ago. 🖤
Thank you to Kensington for the eARC through NetGalley!
Harper is searching for evidence of an undiscovered species of octopus when she travels to Bell Island. The island has a history of sheltering people who had nowhere else to go, along with stories of spirits and other things that may still be there. Harper brings her own trauma and recurring dreams with her, and soon the island begins to feel strangely familiar. Its mayor seems to have been expecting her, and a journal from 1690 raises even more questions.
I kept reading because I needed to know what Bell Island was hiding. I can say that what I THOUGHT was happening was not what it was. 😆 I love it when an author bests me. Which probably isn’t super hard to do, but still! 😁
Now I need to read Kathleen Kaufman’s The Entirely True Story of the Fantastical Mesmerist Nora Grey, which I happened to win on Goodreads a few weeks ago. 🖤
Thank you to Kensington for the eARC through NetGalley!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington Publishing for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of Beyond the Graves Waits Mist and Sea.
I really enjoyed this magical nautical tale steeped in Nordic folklore, and cats! Specifically Norwegian Forest Cats. One of my three cats is a viking 💜 Harper gets selected to lead a research group that is supposed to be looking for a new octopus, or an old one according to the Thalassa legend, off the coast of the remote Bell Island. Her parents had been a part of this study years ago before they died, so of course she says yes. She doesn't realize she's been selected by Lady Bell herself for other reasons. As Harper and her team face disaster after disaster, they begin to realize that Bell Island has many things not "discovered. "
I really enjoyed this magical nautical tale steeped in Nordic folklore, and cats! Specifically Norwegian Forest Cats. One of my three cats is a viking 💜 Harper gets selected to lead a research group that is supposed to be looking for a new octopus, or an old one according to the Thalassa legend, off the coast of the remote Bell Island. Her parents had been a part of this study years ago before they died, so of course she says yes. She doesn't realize she's been selected by Lady Bell herself for other reasons. As Harper and her team face disaster after disaster, they begin to realize that Bell Island has many things not "discovered. "
August 24, 2026
2.5 stars! This book had all the makings of some of my favorites. Unfortunately it just didn't quite do it for me!
A marine biologist’s search for an undiscovered species of octopus leads her to an isolated island where long-buried memories rise like specters from the deep, intent on dragging her darkest truths to the surface.
The premise of the story was so interesting and the book started off really strong! Our main character has ties to the island, having unexplained encounters with things that shouldn't exist, is having mysterious vivid dreams about people she's never met and the prior research team from 10 years prior, and seems to be drawn to the island and the islands matriarch in ways she can't explain.
All of these little plot aspects are things I normally absolutely devour! And like I said the book starts off strong but as the book moves forward I found the pacing so slow. I really struggled to connect with the many different characters as so many of them are really fleeting. It was just too many characters and didn't feel like we needed them all.
Too many small interactions that were really not necessary for the plot and they added a lot of bulk to the book.
I also found that after a while it felt like we could have told this story in many less pages. The book feels really long and starts to feel a bit repetitive halfway. I found the interactions with all the townspeople and with lady bell started to feel repetitive and weren't moving the plot along.
You start to realize about halfway through why Harper is seeing vivid dreams and feels drawn to the island, but then it just feels like the suspense of it is dragged out too long with the dialogue and the journal entries. I didn't feel like the journal entries needed to be such a bit part of the story.
I enjoyed the ending, but it just couldn't save the book for me.
A marine biologist’s search for an undiscovered species of octopus leads her to an isolated island where long-buried memories rise like specters from the deep, intent on dragging her darkest truths to the surface.
The premise of the story was so interesting and the book started off really strong! Our main character has ties to the island, having unexplained encounters with things that shouldn't exist, is having mysterious vivid dreams about people she's never met and the prior research team from 10 years prior, and seems to be drawn to the island and the islands matriarch in ways she can't explain.
All of these little plot aspects are things I normally absolutely devour! And like I said the book starts off strong but as the book moves forward I found the pacing so slow. I really struggled to connect with the many different characters as so many of them are really fleeting. It was just too many characters and didn't feel like we needed them all.
Too many small interactions that were really not necessary for the plot and they added a lot of bulk to the book.
I also found that after a while it felt like we could have told this story in many less pages. The book feels really long and starts to feel a bit repetitive halfway. I found the interactions with all the townspeople and with lady bell started to feel repetitive and weren't moving the plot along.
You start to realize about halfway through why Harper is seeing vivid dreams and feels drawn to the island, but then it just feels like the suspense of it is dragged out too long with the dialogue and the journal entries. I didn't feel like the journal entries needed to be such a bit part of the story.
I enjoyed the ending, but it just couldn't save the book for me.
October 12, 2026
Thank you to Kensington books and Kathleen Kaufman for the gifted arc of this book!
An atmospheric, gothic horror story set on a remote island, and combining elements of the supernatural with Nordic folklore.
The story comes to us from the third person pov of Harper, a marine biologist who returns to the island that claimed the lives of her parents several years prior, to continue research on a previously undiscovered sea creature. The author does a great job creating the unsettling atmosphere of the cold, harsh winters on the island, as Harper struggles with dreams of another woman's life and sees things she shouldn't be able to. The rich supernatural history and folklore of Iceland was something entirely new to me (highly recommend the author's note at the end to get more insight into her process), and I liked the dichotomy of Bell Manor being described as warm and inviting but with a spooky eeriness and forgotten memories attached to it. Harper's queerness was made evident right at the beginning, and I admired how her romantic relationships weren't made the center of the story, but rather just who she was.
From a mystery perspective, I didn't find there to be any noteworthy surprises and twists. It's fairly obvious what the plot is leading up to, and I did find myself losing focus in the middle as the plot became repetitive and slowed down. I also kept hoping for more glimpses of the mythical "Thalassa" outside of that one interaction, and was disappointed to find out later that it was not central to the story. Additionally, the side characters felt bland and uninteresting to me, with only Harper being interesting enough to keep my attention hooked. I would've liked to explore more of everyone's dark pasts and mysteries behind their presence at the island.
Overall, while this could've been a shorter read, I found enough things about it intriguing and gripping enough to keep me going. Recommended only if you don't mind slower, drawn out books that are focused more on the main protagonist's journey instead of the mystery/horror aspect.
tw: book contains mentions of rape, torture, death, pedophilia, sexual assault, child death, cults, death and murder
An atmospheric, gothic horror story set on a remote island, and combining elements of the supernatural with Nordic folklore.
The story comes to us from the third person pov of Harper, a marine biologist who returns to the island that claimed the lives of her parents several years prior, to continue research on a previously undiscovered sea creature. The author does a great job creating the unsettling atmosphere of the cold, harsh winters on the island, as Harper struggles with dreams of another woman's life and sees things she shouldn't be able to. The rich supernatural history and folklore of Iceland was something entirely new to me (highly recommend the author's note at the end to get more insight into her process), and I liked the dichotomy of Bell Manor being described as warm and inviting but with a spooky eeriness and forgotten memories attached to it. Harper's queerness was made evident right at the beginning, and I admired how her romantic relationships weren't made the center of the story, but rather just who she was.
From a mystery perspective, I didn't find there to be any noteworthy surprises and twists. It's fairly obvious what the plot is leading up to, and I did find myself losing focus in the middle as the plot became repetitive and slowed down. I also kept hoping for more glimpses of the mythical "Thalassa" outside of that one interaction, and was disappointed to find out later that it was not central to the story. Additionally, the side characters felt bland and uninteresting to me, with only Harper being interesting enough to keep my attention hooked. I would've liked to explore more of everyone's dark pasts and mysteries behind their presence at the island.
Overall, while this could've been a shorter read, I found enough things about it intriguing and gripping enough to keep me going. Recommended only if you don't mind slower, drawn out books that are focused more on the main protagonist's journey instead of the mystery/horror aspect.
tw: book contains mentions of rape, torture, death, pedophilia, sexual assault, child death, cults, death and murder
October 13, 2026
I received a gifted eARC of BEYOND THE GRAVES WAITS MIST AND SEA by Kathleen Kaufman from Kensington Books!
BEYOND THE GRAVES WAITS MIST AND SEA us set on Bell Island, a very isolated place off the coast of Boston. It is full of people who come from families who have lived there for years without much interaction with the wider world.
Bell Island is also a place surrounded by a biological mystery in the form of an elusive new octopus species. Harper is leading the new research team in search of the octopus, but her team is beset by strange phenomenon including unusual earthquakes, a rogue wave, and odd weather. Stranger still, Harper knows that her past connects to the island, but she still can't explain the sense of dejavu she has around the island, both in her dreams and her waking life.
I had previously read THE ENTIRELY TRUE STORY OF THE FANTASTICAL MESMERIST NORA GREY by this author, so was surprised to hear Nora Grey referenced in this book. It isn't labeled as part of a series that I saw, and I certainly don't think you need to have read the previous book, but the mesmerist from that historical story does come up a few times in this one.
I went into this book intrigued by the setting and by the octopus story and I did really like the atmosphere the author sets up around the island. I made a few good guesses about what was going on, but didn't figure anything out. My attention did wander a bit as a large portion of the second half of the book gets involved with a story within the story giving this a much more historical fiction feel. I did really enjoy our return to the present and the resolution of things, though there were a few things I could have stood to see more on page.
Overall I did enjoy the author's writing and the unique setting for this book. BEYOND THE GRAVES WAITS MIST AND SEA just came out at the end of September!
BEYOND THE GRAVES WAITS MIST AND SEA us set on Bell Island, a very isolated place off the coast of Boston. It is full of people who come from families who have lived there for years without much interaction with the wider world.
Bell Island is also a place surrounded by a biological mystery in the form of an elusive new octopus species. Harper is leading the new research team in search of the octopus, but her team is beset by strange phenomenon including unusual earthquakes, a rogue wave, and odd weather. Stranger still, Harper knows that her past connects to the island, but she still can't explain the sense of dejavu she has around the island, both in her dreams and her waking life.
I had previously read THE ENTIRELY TRUE STORY OF THE FANTASTICAL MESMERIST NORA GREY by this author, so was surprised to hear Nora Grey referenced in this book. It isn't labeled as part of a series that I saw, and I certainly don't think you need to have read the previous book, but the mesmerist from that historical story does come up a few times in this one.
I went into this book intrigued by the setting and by the octopus story and I did really like the atmosphere the author sets up around the island. I made a few good guesses about what was going on, but didn't figure anything out. My attention did wander a bit as a large portion of the second half of the book gets involved with a story within the story giving this a much more historical fiction feel. I did really enjoy our return to the present and the resolution of things, though there were a few things I could have stood to see more on page.
Overall I did enjoy the author's writing and the unique setting for this book. BEYOND THE GRAVES WAITS MIST AND SEA just came out at the end of September!
October 9, 2026
If what you want to read is an atmospheric, slightly creepy, slightly paranormal book about finding who you really are and working through your hardships, this is the book for that.
The atmosphere is good, I’ll give the book that. I appreciate the small island descriptions in the winter. I did appreciate what little science we got. Harper is not an awful character and I didn’t hate being in her head. The second half of the story was actually pretty compelling and I’m angry for the injustices and complicity of those surrounding it. I love love love all the cats. I still don’t understand their significance (maybe something to do with witches???) but the inclusion of the cats in this story was a welcome addition.
It’s a whole lot of nothing though. The premise is technically true, but the second half of the story turns into something else that’s not really in the first half of the story. There is barely anything explained besides fairy tales??? The octopus that they’re hunting is only seen once. And we still don’t know why the storm happened. We have no idea. The ending you can guess from a mile away and it sort of jumps around to get to it. This book is also so slowwwww. There were too many dream sequences, too many scenes that are exactly after each other that just drags on.
I wasn’t that invested, the ending felt super rushed, and this is most certainly not a horror book so I don’t know why it’s being marked as such.
The atmosphere is good, I’ll give the book that. I appreciate the small island descriptions in the winter. I did appreciate what little science we got. Harper is not an awful character and I didn’t hate being in her head. The second half of the story was actually pretty compelling and I’m angry for the injustices and complicity of those surrounding it. I love love love all the cats. I still don’t understand their significance (maybe something to do with witches???) but the inclusion of the cats in this story was a welcome addition.
It’s a whole lot of nothing though. The premise is technically true, but the second half of the story turns into something else that’s not really in the first half of the story. There is barely anything explained besides fairy tales??? The octopus that they’re hunting is only seen once. And we still don’t know why the storm happened. We have no idea. The ending you can guess from a mile away and it sort of jumps around to get to it. This book is also so slowwwww. There were too many dream sequences, too many scenes that are exactly after each other that just drags on.
I wasn’t that invested, the ending felt super rushed, and this is most certainly not a horror book so I don’t know why it’s being marked as such.
October 3, 2026
Microbial biologist Harper Hafdóttir travels to Bell Island, twenty nautical miles off the coast of Boston, for a research programme about a new species of octopus. It's the same research programme which is responsible for her parents death many years ago. With unresolved trauma, recurring dreams and long-buried memories that are trying to resurfacd, Harper is trying to find out how everything is connected to herself, the octopus and Bell Island.
Somehow, this book didn't grasp me as I thought it would. I found it similar to The Sirens by Emilia Hart and I really enjoyed that book, but this book unfortunately wasn't for me. At moments I found it a bit too slow. Also the mystery aspect just didn't really interest me. It was too little at the beginning and than suddenly too much at the end. How everything was woven together was too much information for me to progress at the same time, which made the revelation feel flat.
Somehow, this book didn't grasp me as I thought it would. I found it similar to The Sirens by Emilia Hart and I really enjoyed that book, but this book unfortunately wasn't for me. At moments I found it a bit too slow. Also the mystery aspect just didn't really interest me. It was too little at the beginning and than suddenly too much at the end. How everything was woven together was too much information for me to progress at the same time, which made the revelation feel flat.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Beyond the Graves Waits Mist and Sea
Release Date: September 29, 2026
May contain spoilers.
This was such a fun, mysterious book. The perfect book to read has fall starts and Halloween is right around the corner.
I enjoyed the story of Harper Hafdóttir of where she started out and how she got to Bell Island. Her mysterious ties to the island, both family and her "dreams", has resulted in a full circle for her.
What would have made this a 5⭐️ would have been more background of how Lady Bell came to be and what her ties were.
Thank you to Kensington Books and Netgalley for this ARC read for my honest opinion and review.
Release Date: September 29, 2026
May contain spoilers.
This was such a fun, mysterious book. The perfect book to read has fall starts and Halloween is right around the corner.
I enjoyed the story of Harper Hafdóttir of where she started out and how she got to Bell Island. Her mysterious ties to the island, both family and her "dreams", has resulted in a full circle for her.
What would have made this a 5⭐️ would have been more background of how Lady Bell came to be and what her ties were.
Thank you to Kensington Books and Netgalley for this ARC read for my honest opinion and review.
October 6, 2026
Kaufman is one of my all time favorite authors. I devoured her previous series Diabhal and I guess I tricked my brain to believe that this new release would remind me of that series - that's not the case. This doesn't mean that Beyond the Graves Waits Mist and Sea is bad in any way, but the Diabhal series is still in the champions league.
Kaufman is a mastress when it comes to atmosphere and her writing is chef's kiss. The pacing in Beyond the Graves Waits Mist and Sea is on the slower side and I found the ending to be a bit confusing. I will read this one more time and get back to this review with more thoughts.
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for the ARC.
Kaufman is a mastress when it comes to atmosphere and her writing is chef's kiss. The pacing in Beyond the Graves Waits Mist and Sea is on the slower side and I found the ending to be a bit confusing. I will read this one more time and get back to this review with more thoughts.
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for the ARC.
October 9, 2026
I want to live on Bell Island. (If only it were real...)
Beyond the Graves Waits Mist and Sea drew me in immediately with atmospheric sea tales and Icelandic folklore. For most of the book, I kept thinking, "This is getting five stars from me!" Then, as I neared the end, I realized a few items would not be resolved (like, why are there so many cats?), and that didn't sit well with me. That said, the ending leaves open the possibility of a sequel, which I would welcome.
Beyond the Graves Waits Mist and Sea drew me in immediately with atmospheric sea tales and Icelandic folklore. For most of the book, I kept thinking, "This is getting five stars from me!" Then, as I neared the end, I realized a few items would not be resolved (like, why are there so many cats?), and that didn't sit well with me. That said, the ending leaves open the possibility of a sequel, which I would welcome.
September 30, 2026
This was a beautiful story - the pace was slower and dreamlike, but I was mesmerized and couldn't put it down.
The air of mystery surrounding Bell Island snd it's residence was curious and ultimately satisfying.
If you enjoy stories on the edge of lore, and question gut feelings you will enjoy this book!
The air of mystery surrounding Bell Island snd it's residence was curious and ultimately satisfying.
If you enjoy stories on the edge of lore, and question gut feelings you will enjoy this book!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This one was odd and I may not have been the target audience.
For me this was a slow burn and I wasn't really reaching to pick it back up , the writing was fine, I just wasn't invested in the MC and there just seemed to be a lot of little side quests that didn't mean much or add to the story, so I kept finding myself wandering away from it.
This is great for anyone that likes a slow burn with vivid imagery and a lot of characters.
For me this was a slow burn and I wasn't really reaching to pick it back up , the writing was fine, I just wasn't invested in the MC and there just seemed to be a lot of little side quests that didn't mean much or add to the story, so I kept finding myself wandering away from it.
This is great for anyone that likes a slow burn with vivid imagery and a lot of characters.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
An intriguing mix of scientific research, supernatural mystery, and folklore.
At the center of the story is Harper, a PhD student embarking on the final research project she needs to complete her thesis. She leads a team searching for an undiscovered species of octopus near a mysterious, isolated island. I really enjoyed the way the book lets us experience the details of research life along the way. There are samples to collect, coordinates to record, observations to make, and plenty of downtime. Everything is methodical, precise, and calculated.
Which makes the supernatural elements feel even more unsettling. They encounter inexplicable weather patterns, strange sightings, vivid nightmares, and experiences that make them question their own sanity. I loved this contrast between the logical, scientific mindset of the researchers and the completely inexplicable things happening around them. The more the team tries to understand their surroundings, the less sense anything seems to make.
This isn't necessarily a book packed with nonstop action, but the mystery surrounding the island kept me hooked. There are so many secrets to uncover and I was constantly trying to piece everything together - the island's past, Harper's family history, and the strange events happening in the present. There is also a lot of tragic history woven throughout the story, including accidents, deaths, and retellings connected to the era of witch trials. All of those pieces gradually begin to feel connected as the story moves toward a devastating turning point.
One of my favorite aspects was the connection to the author's previous book, The Entirely True Story of the Fantastical Mesmerist Nora Grey. Discovering those little Easter eggs and recognizing connections to that story was so much fun. Even better, some of that history doesn't simply remain in the background, it begins to bleed into Harper's own story through psychic abilities and memories. As those memories are rediscovered, gifts are unlocked, and the story becomes something very different from what I initially expected.
As an awkward outsider, Harper doesn't necessarily expect to find meaningful connections during the trip, but watching her bond with the others adds a much-needed lighter element to the darker story. I especially enjoyed the beginnings of her relationship with a local woman. Their immediate connection has an almost destined quality to it, and their relationship becomes a source of comfort and solace as everything around Harper grows increasingly strange and dangerous.
Overall, Beyond the Graves Waits Mist & Sea surprised me with how many different elements it manages to bring together: marine science, folklore, family history, supernatural abilities, tragedy, mystery, and a touch of romance.
At the center of the story is Harper, a PhD student embarking on the final research project she needs to complete her thesis. She leads a team searching for an undiscovered species of octopus near a mysterious, isolated island. I really enjoyed the way the book lets us experience the details of research life along the way. There are samples to collect, coordinates to record, observations to make, and plenty of downtime. Everything is methodical, precise, and calculated.
Which makes the supernatural elements feel even more unsettling. They encounter inexplicable weather patterns, strange sightings, vivid nightmares, and experiences that make them question their own sanity. I loved this contrast between the logical, scientific mindset of the researchers and the completely inexplicable things happening around them. The more the team tries to understand their surroundings, the less sense anything seems to make.
This isn't necessarily a book packed with nonstop action, but the mystery surrounding the island kept me hooked. There are so many secrets to uncover and I was constantly trying to piece everything together - the island's past, Harper's family history, and the strange events happening in the present. There is also a lot of tragic history woven throughout the story, including accidents, deaths, and retellings connected to the era of witch trials. All of those pieces gradually begin to feel connected as the story moves toward a devastating turning point.
One of my favorite aspects was the connection to the author's previous book, The Entirely True Story of the Fantastical Mesmerist Nora Grey. Discovering those little Easter eggs and recognizing connections to that story was so much fun. Even better, some of that history doesn't simply remain in the background, it begins to bleed into Harper's own story through psychic abilities and memories. As those memories are rediscovered, gifts are unlocked, and the story becomes something very different from what I initially expected.
As an awkward outsider, Harper doesn't necessarily expect to find meaningful connections during the trip, but watching her bond with the others adds a much-needed lighter element to the darker story. I especially enjoyed the beginnings of her relationship with a local woman. Their immediate connection has an almost destined quality to it, and their relationship becomes a source of comfort and solace as everything around Harper grows increasingly strange and dangerous.
Overall, Beyond the Graves Waits Mist & Sea surprised me with how many different elements it manages to bring together: marine science, folklore, family history, supernatural abilities, tragedy, mystery, and a touch of romance.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I went into this one mostly blind, knowing the bare minimum anout it, that it followed a woman trying to document an octopus and it leading her to an island where she discovers herself and her destiny. I didn't know if it would have magical elements to it or not. I honestly think this is the best way to go into this one, so I won't be giving an answer to it in my review.
Harper is an interesting main character. She can be kind of dry at times, but I kind of expected that with her career choice and personality. All of the characters in this are pretty entertaining in their own ways and I did enjoy them. Several go through a lot. Heck, let's be honest, they all go through a lot, and it kept the story interesting.
I really liked Kathleen's approach of giving us little tidbits in the way that she did. That was pulled off really well for the first half of the book. It did kind of become info dumpish once Harper has a longer visit at the manor, but it does help to keep the story pacing from falling into a lull. All of the history elements of it were a really cool addition, and I do like that some true elements made their way in (like Hemingway's cats).
Speaking of, the cats alone would have had me wanting to never leave this island 🤣 Their addition to this story was great and I really enjoyed them popping up throughout the story. I need a kitty cuddle pile ASAP.
The folklore elements were really cool, as I really enjoy that stuff. I've learned a lot of folklore from different countries via reading this year so that was a fun and unexpected addition to this book for me. The religious elements played into this as well, but in a sense that I didn't learn anything new, but it played right into what I've previously learned about it: that it's bad news for those who are controlled and abused by it.
I know there are some that are likely going to hate this, but I really enjoyed that this one left me with a lot of questions. I don't know that anything is fully answered on page, and I like that. When a book makes me sit and consider all the possible options, it makes the time spent in the pages all the more worthwhile. There are so many directions this book could go from here, bad or good, and it's fun to sit and consider which way things could go.
Overall, I can say this one likely isn't for everyone. You have to have a deep curiosity about what's going on to keep going with how this one is paced, and I think the phrasing and foreign words are going to be a drop off point for a lot of readers. But those that can manage it really should give this thought provoking and emotional book a try. And then come talk to me about it—PLEASE—because I know it's going to be stuck in my brain for weeks.
Harper is an interesting main character. She can be kind of dry at times, but I kind of expected that with her career choice and personality. All of the characters in this are pretty entertaining in their own ways and I did enjoy them. Several go through a lot. Heck, let's be honest, they all go through a lot, and it kept the story interesting.
I really liked Kathleen's approach of giving us little tidbits in the way that she did. That was pulled off really well for the first half of the book. It did kind of become info dumpish once Harper has a longer visit at the manor, but it does help to keep the story pacing from falling into a lull. All of the history elements of it were a really cool addition, and I do like that some true elements made their way in (like Hemingway's cats).
Speaking of, the cats alone would have had me wanting to never leave this island 🤣 Their addition to this story was great and I really enjoyed them popping up throughout the story. I need a kitty cuddle pile ASAP.
The folklore elements were really cool, as I really enjoy that stuff. I've learned a lot of folklore from different countries via reading this year so that was a fun and unexpected addition to this book for me. The religious elements played into this as well, but in a sense that I didn't learn anything new, but it played right into what I've previously learned about it: that it's bad news for those who are controlled and abused by it.
I know there are some that are likely going to hate this, but I really enjoyed that this one left me with a lot of questions. I don't know that anything is fully answered on page, and I like that. When a book makes me sit and consider all the possible options, it makes the time spent in the pages all the more worthwhile. There are so many directions this book could go from here, bad or good, and it's fun to sit and consider which way things could go.
Overall, I can say this one likely isn't for everyone. You have to have a deep curiosity about what's going on to keep going with how this one is paced, and I think the phrasing and foreign words are going to be a drop off point for a lot of readers. But those that can manage it really should give this thought provoking and emotional book a try. And then come talk to me about it—PLEASE—because I know it's going to be stuck in my brain for weeks.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Kathleen Kaufman’s Beyond the Graves Waits Mist and Sea joined me on the patio before sunrise, where the fog-covered island felt wonderfully eerie—even if my Northern California morning was disappointingly clear. Thank you to Kensington Publishing for the gifted copy. Have you ever opened a book expecting one kind of story and slowly realized you had drifted into something completely different?
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Marine biologist Harper Hafdóttir travels to isolated Bell Island hoping to prove that a mysterious species of octopus called Thalassa exists. The island also happens to be where her mother grew up and where both of her parents once conducted research, so Harper’s expedition becomes personal almost immediately.
Bell Island was easily my favorite part of the book. Between the fog, the sea, the imposing Bell Manor, and a community that clearly knows far more than it wants to share, the entire place feels slightly removed from reality. Lady Loreana Bell was especially intriguing, although I spent most of the story trying to decide whether she was protecting Harper, manipulating her, or quietly planning something far more unsettling.
I expected the scientific search for Thalassa to take center stage, but this leans much more heavily into magical realism, folklore, buried family history, and the island’s generations of women. Harper begins having vivid dreams about Meg, a young woman trapped aboard a ship centuries earlier, while a journal from 1690 offers another path into Bell Island’s past. I enjoyed watching those connections emerge, and the cats wandering through the story certainly earned bonus points from me.
Still, the repeated dreams, journal entries, and mysterious conversations began circling the same information. There were moments when I wanted Harper to set aside everyone’s cryptic warnings, ask one direct question, and refuse to leave until somebody gave her a direct answer. Apparently, straightforward communication is illegal on mysterious islands.
The final stretch brought the history, Harper’s memories, and the truth about Thalassa together in a satisfying way. I loved the haunting setting and the blend of science, grief, folklore, and family legacy, but I wanted a little less repetition and more time with the discovery that first drew Harper to the island.
What setting will always tempt you to pick up a book, even when the story takes you somewhere you weren’t expecting?
#BeyondTheGravesWaitsMistAndSea #KathleenKaufman #KensingtonBooks #Bookstagram #MagicalRealism #GothicFiction #HistoricalMystery #BookReview
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Marine biologist Harper Hafdóttir travels to isolated Bell Island hoping to prove that a mysterious species of octopus called Thalassa exists. The island also happens to be where her mother grew up and where both of her parents once conducted research, so Harper’s expedition becomes personal almost immediately.
Bell Island was easily my favorite part of the book. Between the fog, the sea, the imposing Bell Manor, and a community that clearly knows far more than it wants to share, the entire place feels slightly removed from reality. Lady Loreana Bell was especially intriguing, although I spent most of the story trying to decide whether she was protecting Harper, manipulating her, or quietly planning something far more unsettling.
I expected the scientific search for Thalassa to take center stage, but this leans much more heavily into magical realism, folklore, buried family history, and the island’s generations of women. Harper begins having vivid dreams about Meg, a young woman trapped aboard a ship centuries earlier, while a journal from 1690 offers another path into Bell Island’s past. I enjoyed watching those connections emerge, and the cats wandering through the story certainly earned bonus points from me.
Still, the repeated dreams, journal entries, and mysterious conversations began circling the same information. There were moments when I wanted Harper to set aside everyone’s cryptic warnings, ask one direct question, and refuse to leave until somebody gave her a direct answer. Apparently, straightforward communication is illegal on mysterious islands.
The final stretch brought the history, Harper’s memories, and the truth about Thalassa together in a satisfying way. I loved the haunting setting and the blend of science, grief, folklore, and family legacy, but I wanted a little less repetition and more time with the discovery that first drew Harper to the island.
What setting will always tempt you to pick up a book, even when the story takes you somewhere you weren’t expecting?
#BeyondTheGravesWaitsMistAndSea #KathleenKaufman #KensingtonBooks #Bookstagram #MagicalRealism #GothicFiction #HistoricalMystery #BookReview
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
WLW, Women in Stem, Cats, Sci-fi and Historical Fiction, Mystery, Folklore, and so much more! Beyond the Graves Waits Mist and Sea has so much to think about, it will leave you guessing to the very last page!
The world building was fantastic and descriptive. The setting was a haunting coastal island, and a long and dreadful expedition across the sea from a life long since passed. You could feel the emotions and trepidation as the story progressed from both Harper and Meg. It left you confused and curious for answers! I do wish the pacing was a bit faster but all secrets were revealed and most questions were answered by the last page.
Harper Hofdottir, a microbiologist, is trying to find Thalassa. A mysterious octopus that has never been discovered. She is continuing the research that resulted in the deaths of her parents 15 years prior. Harper is to start her field research off the coast of Bell Island, a remote island with rumors of its unfriendly and unwelcoming residents. Bell Island is not open to the public, but has an agreement with BSI to allow the scientists and researchers to do their jobs without interference.
Once Harper and her teammates arrive on Bell , they notice right away something is quite off about Island. The weather has taken unusual turns, and is keeping them from doing much of anything, while some mysterious creatures are keeping a close watch on their every move. Harper has been having vivid dreams of another life since she was a child, but since arriving on Bell she has a deep sense there’s more to the dreams and the answers are on Bell Island.
Beyond the Graves Waits Mist and Sea was riveting and original. I loved that Kathleen Kaufman revealed things slowly and how she wrote the mysterious Lady Bell. She was all seeing and knew when to reveal little pieces to help the bigger picture fall into place, while also letting Harper and the reader process it all! I loved the knowledge of the Icelandic Folklore and how tied in Thalassa was to the history of Bell Island. Overall it was a great read!
Thank you to Kensington Books and Between the Chapters for providing me with this ARC of Beyond the Graves Waits Mist and Sea in exchange for an honest review!
The world building was fantastic and descriptive. The setting was a haunting coastal island, and a long and dreadful expedition across the sea from a life long since passed. You could feel the emotions and trepidation as the story progressed from both Harper and Meg. It left you confused and curious for answers! I do wish the pacing was a bit faster but all secrets were revealed and most questions were answered by the last page.
Harper Hofdottir, a microbiologist, is trying to find Thalassa. A mysterious octopus that has never been discovered. She is continuing the research that resulted in the deaths of her parents 15 years prior. Harper is to start her field research off the coast of Bell Island, a remote island with rumors of its unfriendly and unwelcoming residents. Bell Island is not open to the public, but has an agreement with BSI to allow the scientists and researchers to do their jobs without interference.
Once Harper and her teammates arrive on Bell , they notice right away something is quite off about Island. The weather has taken unusual turns, and is keeping them from doing much of anything, while some mysterious creatures are keeping a close watch on their every move. Harper has been having vivid dreams of another life since she was a child, but since arriving on Bell she has a deep sense there’s more to the dreams and the answers are on Bell Island.
Beyond the Graves Waits Mist and Sea was riveting and original. I loved that Kathleen Kaufman revealed things slowly and how she wrote the mysterious Lady Bell. She was all seeing and knew when to reveal little pieces to help the bigger picture fall into place, while also letting Harper and the reader process it all! I loved the knowledge of the Icelandic Folklore and how tied in Thalassa was to the history of Bell Island. Overall it was a great read!
Thank you to Kensington Books and Between the Chapters for providing me with this ARC of Beyond the Graves Waits Mist and Sea in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Read courtesy of NetGalley.
The short version is I liked the ideas behind this quite a lot, but I found the execution lacking.
The positives:
Sometimes I like a chosen one story. There's something a bit cosy, a bit comforting, about reading a book where the main character is really special. I know it's not for everyone, and that's ok! So, here, Harper is a marine biologist and she's looking for some evidence that will help show her PhD idea is real and viable rather than just a crackpot theory. So she ends up on the remote and mysterious Bell Island to do the research. She's been a loner all of her life; her parents died when she was 13 and she's been emotionally closed since then. Her mother was a Bell Island native, but Harper's never been there. She's also had weird dreams for her whole life. So yes, it's pretty obvious there is Something Special about Harper.
Some of Kaufman's description is pretty great. It's a windlashed island - there's a lot of scope for it.
The less positive:
I have some big complaints, and some smaller one.
First, it's too long. Harper's dreams - especially early on - and her internal agonies get repetitive.
Second, some bits are simply unbelievable. I'm not talking the existence of huldafolk or an octopus who communicates with humans; I mean someone with both a 17-century diary (which she can read with ease) AND a historical account in front of her, and she CHOOSES to go back and forth between them rather than reading one in entirety. With no explanation like 'she's looking for context'.
Third... I just got bored. It was very obvious very early on what some of the twists would be - which isn't necessarily a problem, but when the book treats the reveal as a surprise, it is a problem. Harper is meant to be looking for evidence of a mysterious octopus, but there is a remarkable LACK of octopus. Also a lack of science, but that's because of the epic storms the island faces, and that's fine in the context of the geography.
And a small issue in the context of the story, but rather large theologically: pretty sure no one prays to "Christ the Father." Because, uh, that's kinda the point of Christ - that's he's not the Father...
Overall, I was disappointed.
The short version is I liked the ideas behind this quite a lot, but I found the execution lacking.
The positives:
Sometimes I like a chosen one story. There's something a bit cosy, a bit comforting, about reading a book where the main character is really special. I know it's not for everyone, and that's ok! So, here, Harper is a marine biologist and she's looking for some evidence that will help show her PhD idea is real and viable rather than just a crackpot theory. So she ends up on the remote and mysterious Bell Island to do the research. She's been a loner all of her life; her parents died when she was 13 and she's been emotionally closed since then. Her mother was a Bell Island native, but Harper's never been there. She's also had weird dreams for her whole life. So yes, it's pretty obvious there is Something Special about Harper.
Some of Kaufman's description is pretty great. It's a windlashed island - there's a lot of scope for it.
The less positive:
I have some big complaints, and some smaller one.
First, it's too long. Harper's dreams - especially early on - and her internal agonies get repetitive.
Second, some bits are simply unbelievable. I'm not talking the existence of huldafolk or an octopus who communicates with humans; I mean someone with both a 17-century diary (which she can read with ease) AND a historical account in front of her, and she CHOOSES to go back and forth between them rather than reading one in entirety. With no explanation like 'she's looking for context'.
Third... I just got bored. It was very obvious very early on what some of the twists would be - which isn't necessarily a problem, but when the book treats the reveal as a surprise, it is a problem. Harper is meant to be looking for evidence of a mysterious octopus, but there is a remarkable LACK of octopus. Also a lack of science, but that's because of the epic storms the island faces, and that's fine in the context of the geography.
And a small issue in the context of the story, but rather large theologically: pretty sure no one prays to "Christ the Father." Because, uh, that's kinda the point of Christ - that's he's not the Father...
Overall, I was disappointed.
Review of advance copy received from Author
𝐻𝑒𝓁𝓁𝑜 𝒜𝓃𝓃𝑜𝓉𝒶𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃𝓈!
𝐼 𝒽𝒶𝒹 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓂𝑜𝓈𝓉 𝑒𝓃𝒸𝒽𝒶𝓃𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓉𝒾𝓂𝑒 𝒶𝓃𝓃𝑜𝓉𝒶𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝒷𝑜𝑜𝓀! 𝑀𝑒𝓂𝑜𝓇𝒾𝑒𝓈 𝓌𝑒𝓇𝑒 𝓂𝒶𝒹𝑒
This book has wrecked me in all the good ways. Kathleen has written a mesmerizing novel that is difficult to put down. This novel blends: Folklore horror, Salem Witch Trials, Gothic, Mystery and Science. These elements make this novel spellbinding and will pull you in. If you’re looking for a book that’s a good read for the Ber months I highly recommend this book.
Harper Hafdóttir, a marine biologist student completing her PHD is sent to Bell Island to discover and prove that a species of octopus called Thalassa exist. What started as an expedition quickly turns into something more deeper and soul searching. Bell Island a location that is surrounded around mystery that dates all the way back to the 1600/1700s. Unfortunately Harper lost her parents at a very young age and was forced to grow up and navigate her feelings. Bell Island is off the coast of Boston and has swarmed with secrecy as well as mystery. This is the same remote island her parents originated from. The events that unfolds answers hidden mysteries Harper buried deep inside herself.
A lot to unpack here but the atmospheric is one that’s full of intensity and dread. You anticipate something will happen but you don’t know what. I really connected with the main character and Kathleen does a really great writing her, as her character is complex but also full of layers. I love the Salem witch trials element plus the journal entries ! That definitely added to the overall story and was by far my favorite read of the novel. Plus I love the universe building with this book with the reference of a previous novel.
Thank you Kathleen for providing me a paperback copy of this book all thoughts and feeling expressed are my own.
𝐼 𝒽𝒶𝒹 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓂𝑜𝓈𝓉 𝑒𝓃𝒸𝒽𝒶𝓃𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓉𝒾𝓂𝑒 𝒶𝓃𝓃𝑜𝓉𝒶𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝒷𝑜𝑜𝓀! 𝑀𝑒𝓂𝑜𝓇𝒾𝑒𝓈 𝓌𝑒𝓇𝑒 𝓂𝒶𝒹𝑒
This book has wrecked me in all the good ways. Kathleen has written a mesmerizing novel that is difficult to put down. This novel blends: Folklore horror, Salem Witch Trials, Gothic, Mystery and Science. These elements make this novel spellbinding and will pull you in. If you’re looking for a book that’s a good read for the Ber months I highly recommend this book.
Harper Hafdóttir, a marine biologist student completing her PHD is sent to Bell Island to discover and prove that a species of octopus called Thalassa exist. What started as an expedition quickly turns into something more deeper and soul searching. Bell Island a location that is surrounded around mystery that dates all the way back to the 1600/1700s. Unfortunately Harper lost her parents at a very young age and was forced to grow up and navigate her feelings. Bell Island is off the coast of Boston and has swarmed with secrecy as well as mystery. This is the same remote island her parents originated from. The events that unfolds answers hidden mysteries Harper buried deep inside herself.
A lot to unpack here but the atmospheric is one that’s full of intensity and dread. You anticipate something will happen but you don’t know what. I really connected with the main character and Kathleen does a really great writing her, as her character is complex but also full of layers. I love the Salem witch trials element plus the journal entries ! That definitely added to the overall story and was by far my favorite read of the novel. Plus I love the universe building with this book with the reference of a previous novel.
Thank you Kathleen for providing me a paperback copy of this book all thoughts and feeling expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
🌊 Beyond the Graves Waits Mist and Sea by Kathleen Kaufman
⭐️ Rating: 5/5 Stars
🗓️ Release Date: September 29, 2026
There is just something about a story where the past refuses to stay buried... 👀
If you are looking for an atmospheric read filled with gothic mystery, sea folklore, an isolated island, and dual timelines, definitely keep this stunning novel on your radar! 🐙
What it’s about:
The story follows microbial biologist Harper Hafdóttir as she travels to Bell Island—a place shrouded in fog, mystery, and legend, 20 nautical miles off Boston's coast. She searches for evidence of an undiscovered species of octopus, but she also carries her own burden of past trauma and vivid, haunting dreams.
Once she arrives, the island erupts with unexplained phenomena: increasing seismic activity, rogue waves, and encounters with supernatural island creatures. Harper is drawn to Bell Manor and its mysterious mayor, Lady Loreana Bell, whose matriarchal line has ruled the island for 400 years. Inside the manor, Harper discovers a 1690 journal of a young woman trapped in a religious cult, sparking a revelation that connects her deeply to the island’s secrets.
Why I loved it:
* The Atmosphere: Hauntingly beautiful, misty, and intensely gothic. Kaufman’s evocative prose creates a timeless setting that wraps around you like ocean fog.
* The Elements: Uncanny Norwegian Forest Cats with supernatural intelligence, mysterious little stick creatures, and deep ties to Icelandic folklore.
* The Themes: It brilliantly explores how women throughout history have been ostracized for their unique qualities, showing them rising to embrace their personal power.
Forever a fan and highly recommend preordering this absolute masterpiece before it hits shelves later this month! You can grab your copy via Kensington Publishing.
⭐️ Rating: 5/5 Stars
🗓️ Release Date: September 29, 2026
There is just something about a story where the past refuses to stay buried... 👀
If you are looking for an atmospheric read filled with gothic mystery, sea folklore, an isolated island, and dual timelines, definitely keep this stunning novel on your radar! 🐙
What it’s about:
The story follows microbial biologist Harper Hafdóttir as she travels to Bell Island—a place shrouded in fog, mystery, and legend, 20 nautical miles off Boston's coast. She searches for evidence of an undiscovered species of octopus, but she also carries her own burden of past trauma and vivid, haunting dreams.
Once she arrives, the island erupts with unexplained phenomena: increasing seismic activity, rogue waves, and encounters with supernatural island creatures. Harper is drawn to Bell Manor and its mysterious mayor, Lady Loreana Bell, whose matriarchal line has ruled the island for 400 years. Inside the manor, Harper discovers a 1690 journal of a young woman trapped in a religious cult, sparking a revelation that connects her deeply to the island’s secrets.
Why I loved it:
* The Atmosphere: Hauntingly beautiful, misty, and intensely gothic. Kaufman’s evocative prose creates a timeless setting that wraps around you like ocean fog.
* The Elements: Uncanny Norwegian Forest Cats with supernatural intelligence, mysterious little stick creatures, and deep ties to Icelandic folklore.
* The Themes: It brilliantly explores how women throughout history have been ostracized for their unique qualities, showing them rising to embrace their personal power.
Forever a fan and highly recommend preordering this absolute masterpiece before it hits shelves later this month! You can grab your copy via Kensington Publishing.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book had me sucked in. It has women in stem. It has cats. It has the mystery of the unknown. And it has back in time perspectives. From start to finish you have no idea where this book is going but in the best way. It makes you want to devour it to find the truth, just like the FMC Harper. I thought I was just signing up for a fun book about finding the existence of a long lost octopus on a haunted island, but this book goes so much farther.
Harper is a marine biologist on a mission to Bell island, which has been labeled as those who don't understand as haunted. Harper has a connection to the island though, her parents were once researchers here and her mother was an island native. So Harper is a little more open to the mysteries of the island than your average outsider, and the island knows it. Several odd occurrences happen on the island, but Harper is unshakeable. And don't even get me started on the waking dreams she has. Her nights are plagued with the memories of Meg, a girl in a bad situation aboard a ship. Harpers feels every emotion and pain that Meg feels, and it makes you sad and hurt for both. But you know, this is something Harper has to do in the name of revealing the truth.
Kathleen is excellent at creating the world that is Bell Island. I feel like I could picture every tree, cat, and islander. There is nothing left out., nothing that I'm left wondering "but what about this." There are also so many twists and turns to navigate along Harper's journey. I enjoyed every minute of the ride. And the end? Never saw it coming, but once I read it I knew that was the only way for it to go. This book was mystically wonderful and I look forward to reading more by Kathleen Kaufman.
Harper is a marine biologist on a mission to Bell island, which has been labeled as those who don't understand as haunted. Harper has a connection to the island though, her parents were once researchers here and her mother was an island native. So Harper is a little more open to the mysteries of the island than your average outsider, and the island knows it. Several odd occurrences happen on the island, but Harper is unshakeable. And don't even get me started on the waking dreams she has. Her nights are plagued with the memories of Meg, a girl in a bad situation aboard a ship. Harpers feels every emotion and pain that Meg feels, and it makes you sad and hurt for both. But you know, this is something Harper has to do in the name of revealing the truth.
Kathleen is excellent at creating the world that is Bell Island. I feel like I could picture every tree, cat, and islander. There is nothing left out., nothing that I'm left wondering "but what about this." There are also so many twists and turns to navigate along Harper's journey. I enjoyed every minute of the ride. And the end? Never saw it coming, but once I read it I knew that was the only way for it to go. This book was mystically wonderful and I look forward to reading more by Kathleen Kaufman.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
POV: you picked up a book about a marine biologist hunting a rare octopus and accidentally signed yourself up for a full gothic spiral 🐙🌫️
okay OKAY let me talk about Beyond the Graves Waits Mist and Sea by Kathleen Kaufman because I have been UNWELL since finishing this.
So. a marine biologist goes searching for an undiscovered species of octopus and ends up on this isolated island called Bell Island — twenty nautical miles off Boston, completely shrouded in fog and legend.  Already serving VIBES.
But here’s the thing this island has history. Like, it was a refuge for women fleeing the Salem Witch Trials in the 1600s AND a stop on the Underground Railroad in the 1800s.  The LAYERS. The WEIGHT of that place.
And once she arrives? long-buried memories start rising like specters from the deep, intent on dragging her darkest truths to the surface.  So it starts as a science expedition and becomes a reckoning with herself and with history. I was NOT prepared.
Kathleen Kaufman writes feminist gothic horror from “the other’s” point of view, exploring how the horror of the past manifests in the present and the inescapable intertwining of generational history.  And you FEEL every word of that mission statement in this book.
The atmosphere? Suffocating in the best way. Kirkus called her prose “crisp, elegant” and Booklist called it “genuinely chilling”  and I am here to confirm: correct on both counts.
If you loved The Sirens by Emilia Hart, The Amalfi Curse, or anything by Adrienne Young — this is your next read. Fog, secrets, the ocean as a living entity, women reclaiming their history. It’s everything.
Spice: 🌶️ (none, but the dread is intoxicating)
Atmosphere: 🌫️🌫️🌫️🌫️🌫️ 5/5
Would I read it again: already mentally on page one
okay OKAY let me talk about Beyond the Graves Waits Mist and Sea by Kathleen Kaufman because I have been UNWELL since finishing this.
So. a marine biologist goes searching for an undiscovered species of octopus and ends up on this isolated island called Bell Island — twenty nautical miles off Boston, completely shrouded in fog and legend.  Already serving VIBES.
But here’s the thing this island has history. Like, it was a refuge for women fleeing the Salem Witch Trials in the 1600s AND a stop on the Underground Railroad in the 1800s.  The LAYERS. The WEIGHT of that place.
And once she arrives? long-buried memories start rising like specters from the deep, intent on dragging her darkest truths to the surface.  So it starts as a science expedition and becomes a reckoning with herself and with history. I was NOT prepared.
Kathleen Kaufman writes feminist gothic horror from “the other’s” point of view, exploring how the horror of the past manifests in the present and the inescapable intertwining of generational history.  And you FEEL every word of that mission statement in this book.
The atmosphere? Suffocating in the best way. Kirkus called her prose “crisp, elegant” and Booklist called it “genuinely chilling”  and I am here to confirm: correct on both counts.
If you loved The Sirens by Emilia Hart, The Amalfi Curse, or anything by Adrienne Young — this is your next read. Fog, secrets, the ocean as a living entity, women reclaiming their history. It’s everything.
Spice: 🌶️ (none, but the dread is intoxicating)
Atmosphere: 🌫️🌫️🌫️🌫️🌫️ 5/5
Would I read it again: already mentally on page one
August 6, 2026
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an eGalley. I am having a difficult time deciding how many stars I should give this title. My pros and cons ended up balancing each other out in the end.
First, I will start with my dislikes. There are a lot of dream sequences, which add to the plot. My issue was how the text transitioned into the dreams. Basically, the reader is told that they are reading a dream portion. There is also some Deja vu sections. The protagonist experiences the same physical response each time. While important both the dreams and Déjà vu seemed less subconscious or ethereal. For the first half of the novel I felt the character interactions and relationships felt clipped and disconnected. That ended up making sense as the story progressed and I was introduced to the island residents.
What I absolutely loved about this novel is the element of found family and sense of self! As someone who has never felt “rooted” or as though I “fit”. I could relate, I also applaud the author for bringing in the impact our own memories, or lack thereof, on livelihood. The culture of the island and how the island itself feels like an important character elevates the plot. I study folklore in my academia and for pleasure, so I am excited to research more on the lore she adds. I appreciate the way they stayed true to the fact that a society keeps it mysterious to outsiders because it makes it feel more magical. The last thing I will mention is how the author created a unique lineage inheritance. I respect any artist who crosses social construct belief.
I will be following this author’s work and career. I also recommend this novel, especially for readers who enjoy found family, are feeling lost, lgbtq+, and folklore.
First, I will start with my dislikes. There are a lot of dream sequences, which add to the plot. My issue was how the text transitioned into the dreams. Basically, the reader is told that they are reading a dream portion. There is also some Deja vu sections. The protagonist experiences the same physical response each time. While important both the dreams and Déjà vu seemed less subconscious or ethereal. For the first half of the novel I felt the character interactions and relationships felt clipped and disconnected. That ended up making sense as the story progressed and I was introduced to the island residents.
What I absolutely loved about this novel is the element of found family and sense of self! As someone who has never felt “rooted” or as though I “fit”. I could relate, I also applaud the author for bringing in the impact our own memories, or lack thereof, on livelihood. The culture of the island and how the island itself feels like an important character elevates the plot. I study folklore in my academia and for pleasure, so I am excited to research more on the lore she adds. I appreciate the way they stayed true to the fact that a society keeps it mysterious to outsiders because it makes it feel more magical. The last thing I will mention is how the author created a unique lineage inheritance. I respect any artist who crosses social construct belief.
I will be following this author’s work and career. I also recommend this novel, especially for readers who enjoy found family, are feeling lost, lgbtq+, and folklore.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I was so excited to read Beyond the Graves Waits Mist and Sea because I absolutely loved Kathleen Kaufman's book The Entirely True Story of the Fantastical Mesmerist Nora Grey. I loved how her book titles alone (not to mention the beautiful covers) make me automatically HAVE to read the book.
Bell Island is a small island off of Boston, MA. It was a refuge for unwanteds such as witches and slaves. It's mayor is always the current Lady Bell - the woman who owns the only mansion that is situated at the very top of the island.
Harper Hafdottir is a biologist who wants to find evidence and the actual presence of an octopus that not many believe actually exists - the Thalassa. Harper is convinced she will be able to find it. She also spent time at Bell Island as a child when her parents were there as scientists.
Harper is vervous but excited to leave for Bell Island. The connection to her parents, the possibility of finding Thalassa, and going away after such a romantic breakup make Bell Island perfect timing for her.
She has always had dreams that are more nightmares for her-of being on a ship and being married to an abusive man, for one. Harper learns more about herself than she thought possible during her adventure on Bell Island.
I loved Harper and how open she was to both science and spirits. I also loved the Bell Island setting - especially the mansion.
Another incredible story and I loved details from Nora Grey included in the book.
Now, I have to say...I want to know what happens next! I won't spoil the ending but I need to know more! I hope it's in her next book. Such a great writer!
Bell Island is a small island off of Boston, MA. It was a refuge for unwanteds such as witches and slaves. It's mayor is always the current Lady Bell - the woman who owns the only mansion that is situated at the very top of the island.
Harper Hafdottir is a biologist who wants to find evidence and the actual presence of an octopus that not many believe actually exists - the Thalassa. Harper is convinced she will be able to find it. She also spent time at Bell Island as a child when her parents were there as scientists.
Harper is vervous but excited to leave for Bell Island. The connection to her parents, the possibility of finding Thalassa, and going away after such a romantic breakup make Bell Island perfect timing for her.
She has always had dreams that are more nightmares for her-of being on a ship and being married to an abusive man, for one. Harper learns more about herself than she thought possible during her adventure on Bell Island.
I loved Harper and how open she was to both science and spirits. I also loved the Bell Island setting - especially the mansion.
Another incredible story and I loved details from Nora Grey included in the book.
Now, I have to say...I want to know what happens next! I won't spoil the ending but I need to know more! I hope it's in her next book. Such a great writer!
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