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Portrait of a Haunting
Not yet published
Expected 6 Oct 26After fearing it all her life, a young woman embraces her ability to see ghosts after a murder occurs that appears dangerously linked to her past.
To Tatum Alexander, the Sight—her ability to see spirits—has always been more of an affliction than a gift. Inheriting the power from her mother, Amarina, an infamous artist known for murdering her lover and using his blood for her final painting, Tatum has been reluctant to step into her talent or even get close to the man she loves.
She's been able to find a safe space to hide her Sight with the largest witch coven in Manhattan and her best friend, Mischa. But when Mischa is murdered, a crime that's eerily connected to Amarina's, a traumatized Tatum must reckon with the loss and the sudden surge of spirits vying for her attention and her life.
The spirits have a the murderer is coming for her next and a price must be paid. To learn the truth of her past and catch the killer she'll have to rely on her loved ones’ helping hands—some witchy friends, the man who won't let her go, and her eternally perplexing mother—in order to embrace her Sight while keeping them all safe.
The clues will lead Tatum to a dangerous secret that Amarina has spent decades trying to keep. And when the secret is out, Tatum will be forced to risk the lives of those who know her... or risk it all.
To Tatum Alexander, the Sight—her ability to see spirits—has always been more of an affliction than a gift. Inheriting the power from her mother, Amarina, an infamous artist known for murdering her lover and using his blood for her final painting, Tatum has been reluctant to step into her talent or even get close to the man she loves.
She's been able to find a safe space to hide her Sight with the largest witch coven in Manhattan and her best friend, Mischa. But when Mischa is murdered, a crime that's eerily connected to Amarina's, a traumatized Tatum must reckon with the loss and the sudden surge of spirits vying for her attention and her life.
The spirits have a the murderer is coming for her next and a price must be paid. To learn the truth of her past and catch the killer she'll have to rely on her loved ones’ helping hands—some witchy friends, the man who won't let her go, and her eternally perplexing mother—in order to embrace her Sight while keeping them all safe.
The clues will lead Tatum to a dangerous secret that Amarina has spent decades trying to keep. And when the secret is out, Tatum will be forced to risk the lives of those who know her... or risk it all.
352 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication October 6, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
May 8, 2026
Advanced copy given through NetGalley!
This book lingered with me long after I finished it.
Portrait of a Haunting is eerie, emotional, and beautifully written in a way that feels delicate and unsettling all at once. Madison Tyler Nelson creates a haunting atmosphere where grief, memory, bloodlines, and spirits all blur together so naturally. (Potential spoilers ahead if you haven’t read yet; which I strongly suggest doing)…
What stood out most to me was the idea that “all spirits want is to be remembered.” That theme echoes through every relationship in the story — especially between Tatum and Amarina. The invisible thread between mother and daughter, “bonded in blood and secrets,” was heartbreaking and impossible to ignore. Even when Tatum fantasizes about escaping her mother, there’s still that pull tying them together.
The horror elements were incredibly vivid too. The way Jacob Lee returns and morphs into another body, the corporeal descriptions of spirits becoming almost human, and the haunting portrait scenes all felt cinematic. (Netflix should be snatching this up!) Amarina herself was such a fascinating character — eerie, calm, artistic, dangerous, yet strangely tender when she calls Tatum “star.” Their shared gray irises and ability to see spirits added another layer of connection that made their dynamic unforgettable.
I also loved the quieter emotional moments, especially Tatum’s conversation with Leo outside where he reassures her that nobody blames her. That scene carried so much grief, acceptance, and self-forgiveness in such a gentle way it truly made me cry.
This is one of those rare horror novels that feels both ghostly and deeply human. A haunting story about art, trauma, memory, forgiveness and the terrifying ways people can become part of one another.
Easy 5 stars for me. Can’t wait to read it again!!
This book lingered with me long after I finished it.
Portrait of a Haunting is eerie, emotional, and beautifully written in a way that feels delicate and unsettling all at once. Madison Tyler Nelson creates a haunting atmosphere where grief, memory, bloodlines, and spirits all blur together so naturally. (Potential spoilers ahead if you haven’t read yet; which I strongly suggest doing)…
What stood out most to me was the idea that “all spirits want is to be remembered.” That theme echoes through every relationship in the story — especially between Tatum and Amarina. The invisible thread between mother and daughter, “bonded in blood and secrets,” was heartbreaking and impossible to ignore. Even when Tatum fantasizes about escaping her mother, there’s still that pull tying them together.
The horror elements were incredibly vivid too. The way Jacob Lee returns and morphs into another body, the corporeal descriptions of spirits becoming almost human, and the haunting portrait scenes all felt cinematic. (Netflix should be snatching this up!) Amarina herself was such a fascinating character — eerie, calm, artistic, dangerous, yet strangely tender when she calls Tatum “star.” Their shared gray irises and ability to see spirits added another layer of connection that made their dynamic unforgettable.
I also loved the quieter emotional moments, especially Tatum’s conversation with Leo outside where he reassures her that nobody blames her. That scene carried so much grief, acceptance, and self-forgiveness in such a gentle way it truly made me cry.
This is one of those rare horror novels that feels both ghostly and deeply human. A haunting story about art, trauma, memory, forgiveness and the terrifying ways people can become part of one another.
Easy 5 stars for me. Can’t wait to read it again!!
April 12, 2026
Review of advanced copy received from NetGalley
Ugh I wish GoodReads had .5 stars because this is really 4.5 stars!! This book had me captivated from the very first page and I was a little sad each time I had to set it down to do other things. I loved this story so much, and I’m sad I won’t be reading about these characters anymore. This story had me crying, smiling, gasping in surprise - all the reactions you expect to have from a really good book.
This was an incredible debut novel by Madison, and I am eagerly waiting for whatever she publishes next. Highly recommend this book and cannot wait for its official release!
Ugh I wish GoodReads had .5 stars because this is really 4.5 stars!! This book had me captivated from the very first page and I was a little sad each time I had to set it down to do other things. I loved this story so much, and I’m sad I won’t be reading about these characters anymore. This story had me crying, smiling, gasping in surprise - all the reactions you expect to have from a really good book.
This was an incredible debut novel by Madison, and I am eagerly waiting for whatever she publishes next. Highly recommend this book and cannot wait for its official release!
May 18, 2026
Thank you for this advanced copy through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review!
I absolutely loved this book! It is spooky and fun, while also being a moving story about grief, loss and love. The characters are great, Tatum and her friends (Leo and Ziggy especially) are so strong and well developed. Amarina is such a unique character as well, I loved her story. This book is full of scares, and twists and turns, without being gory or gross. I think this would be a great choice for someone who loves horror (like me) but also great for readers who want to venture into the genre.
Pre order and keep an eye out for its release October 6th, 2026! I hope to see more from Madison Tyler Nelson soon!!
I absolutely loved this book! It is spooky and fun, while also being a moving story about grief, loss and love. The characters are great, Tatum and her friends (Leo and Ziggy especially) are so strong and well developed. Amarina is such a unique character as well, I loved her story. This book is full of scares, and twists and turns, without being gory or gross. I think this would be a great choice for someone who loves horror (like me) but also great for readers who want to venture into the genre.
Pre order and keep an eye out for its release October 6th, 2026! I hope to see more from Madison Tyler Nelson soon!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
If you love ghost stories with messy emotions, complicated family drama, and just enough chaos to keep you flipping pages at 2am, “Portrait of a Haunting” by Madison Tyler Nelson is definitely one to pick up.
This book grabbed me right from the start and honestly didn’t let go. It follows Tatum, who has “the Sight”—aka she can see and hear ghosts, something she inherited from her mom who also happens to be a convicted murderer known as the Red Hand. Tatum has spent most of her life trying to ignore her abilities, but after her best friend’s murder, which feels way too connected to her mom’s past, she’s forced to finally confront everything she’s been running from.
The vibes here are so good. It’s very modern gothic meets murder mystery, with this eerie, slightly dangerous version of New York City where the ghosts aren’t just background decoration; they’re active, emotional, and constantly pressing into the story. The atmosphere alone carries a lot of the book.
One of the strongest parts is the found family. Tatum’s circle, comprised of her witchy friends, her support system, the people who refuse to let her push them away, adds so much heart to the story. Their relationships feel warm and real, and they balance out all the darker elements really well. There’s also a bit of romance woven in, though it can feel a little hot-and-cold at times depending on how you feel about Tatum’s decisions.
Speaking of Tatum… she’s definitely a messy main character. Which worked for me sometimes and frustrated me at others. Her grief, fear of becoming her mother, and struggle with her powers give her a lot of depth, but she also makes choices that can feel a little repetitive or contradictory. Like, we’re told she pushes people away, but she also has a pretty solid support system? It doesn’t always line up perfectly.
Pacing-wise, it’s a bit of a mixed bag. The beginning is super gripping, then there’s a stretch in the middle where things slow down and can feel a little draggy. But once it picks back up, it really goes; the tension builds, the twists start hitting, and it becomes hard to put down.
And the twist? Genuinely surprising. It adds a lot to the overall mystery and ties into the bigger themes about family, identity, and confronting your past.
That’s really what this book leans into most: your past literally coming back to haunt you. It’s about grief, self-acceptance, and figuring out who you are when you’re terrified of what you might become. It also asks some interesting questions about purpose, avoidance, and whether ignoring your problems actually protects you or just makes things worse.
Overall, this is an atmospheric, emotional paranormal mystery that’s more about the journey and the characters than nonstop thrills. It’s not perfect, like how there are pacing issues and some character frustrations, but it’s got a lot of heart, a strong sense of mood, and enough intrigue to keep you hooked.
If you like ghost stories with found family, messy heroines, and a side of murder mystery, this one’s definitely worth checking out.
If you love ghost stories with messy emotions, complicated family drama, and just enough chaos to keep you flipping pages at 2am, “Portrait of a Haunting” by Madison Tyler Nelson is definitely one to pick up.
This book grabbed me right from the start and honestly didn’t let go. It follows Tatum, who has “the Sight”—aka she can see and hear ghosts, something she inherited from her mom who also happens to be a convicted murderer known as the Red Hand. Tatum has spent most of her life trying to ignore her abilities, but after her best friend’s murder, which feels way too connected to her mom’s past, she’s forced to finally confront everything she’s been running from.
The vibes here are so good. It’s very modern gothic meets murder mystery, with this eerie, slightly dangerous version of New York City where the ghosts aren’t just background decoration; they’re active, emotional, and constantly pressing into the story. The atmosphere alone carries a lot of the book.
One of the strongest parts is the found family. Tatum’s circle, comprised of her witchy friends, her support system, the people who refuse to let her push them away, adds so much heart to the story. Their relationships feel warm and real, and they balance out all the darker elements really well. There’s also a bit of romance woven in, though it can feel a little hot-and-cold at times depending on how you feel about Tatum’s decisions.
Speaking of Tatum… she’s definitely a messy main character. Which worked for me sometimes and frustrated me at others. Her grief, fear of becoming her mother, and struggle with her powers give her a lot of depth, but she also makes choices that can feel a little repetitive or contradictory. Like, we’re told she pushes people away, but she also has a pretty solid support system? It doesn’t always line up perfectly.
Pacing-wise, it’s a bit of a mixed bag. The beginning is super gripping, then there’s a stretch in the middle where things slow down and can feel a little draggy. But once it picks back up, it really goes; the tension builds, the twists start hitting, and it becomes hard to put down.
And the twist? Genuinely surprising. It adds a lot to the overall mystery and ties into the bigger themes about family, identity, and confronting your past.
That’s really what this book leans into most: your past literally coming back to haunt you. It’s about grief, self-acceptance, and figuring out who you are when you’re terrified of what you might become. It also asks some interesting questions about purpose, avoidance, and whether ignoring your problems actually protects you or just makes things worse.
Overall, this is an atmospheric, emotional paranormal mystery that’s more about the journey and the characters than nonstop thrills. It’s not perfect, like how there are pacing issues and some character frustrations, but it’s got a lot of heart, a strong sense of mood, and enough intrigue to keep you hooked.
If you like ghost stories with found family, messy heroines, and a side of murder mystery, this one’s definitely worth checking out.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book (expected publication date of October 6, 2026) in exchange for my honest feedback!
This was a fun story, but felt kind of messy. A large part of the drama could have been entirely avoided if only the characters would communicate with people they claim to be best friends with. A pet peeve of mine is a plot that could have been almost entirely resolved if only the characters would've just communicated with each other! Ugh, Tatum was so annoying in this aspect. She kept trying to play the martyr, and kept pushing everyone away, and it was so infuriating. How did these friends ever get close to her in the first place if she refuses to talk to them? So many of the characters were just so immature, I had trouble caring about them.
The story was somewhat predictable, but there were a few things I didn't see coming. To avoid spoilers, I won’t say what I predicted and what I did not see coming, but it was pretty 50/50.
The story was enjoyable, but the author really struggles to write clear action scenes. Most of the exciting (re: violent) scenes were quite confusing, and no matter how many times I reread them, I never fully understood what happened—I only figured it out via context clues later in the book. And, while speaking about writing, I got so annoyed every time I read “her friend” or “his friend,” just use the characters’ damn names!
And what was the whole deal with Casey? I kept expecting her to be some big villain, and she just never came back? And what book did she want from Jonas? I kept thinking it was going to be a book about the symbols, like the one Amarina used, but it felt like an entirely unnecessary scene, which didn’t even create new conflict because Tatum and Jonas were already bickering and not properly communicating.
I don’t really know how I feel about it. The plot itself was fun (albeit a bit predictable), but the characters were super annoying, and the writing could have benefitted from further revisions.
This was a fun story, but felt kind of messy. A large part of the drama could have been entirely avoided if only the characters would communicate with people they claim to be best friends with. A pet peeve of mine is a plot that could have been almost entirely resolved if only the characters would've just communicated with each other! Ugh, Tatum was so annoying in this aspect. She kept trying to play the martyr, and kept pushing everyone away, and it was so infuriating. How did these friends ever get close to her in the first place if she refuses to talk to them? So many of the characters were just so immature, I had trouble caring about them.
The story was somewhat predictable, but there were a few things I didn't see coming. To avoid spoilers, I won’t say what I predicted and what I did not see coming, but it was pretty 50/50.
The story was enjoyable, but the author really struggles to write clear action scenes. Most of the exciting (re: violent) scenes were quite confusing, and no matter how many times I reread them, I never fully understood what happened—I only figured it out via context clues later in the book. And, while speaking about writing, I got so annoyed every time I read “her friend” or “his friend,” just use the characters’ damn names!
And what was the whole deal with Casey? I kept expecting her to be some big villain, and she just never came back? And what book did she want from Jonas? I kept thinking it was going to be a book about the symbols, like the one Amarina used, but it felt like an entirely unnecessary scene, which didn’t even create new conflict because Tatum and Jonas were already bickering and not properly communicating.
I don’t really know how I feel about it. The plot itself was fun (albeit a bit predictable), but the characters were super annoying, and the writing could have benefitted from further revisions.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for providing this ARC for review.
Tatum Alexander has inherited the Sight, the ability to see and hear spirits, from her mother. Her mother is the infamous Red Hand, the woman locked up for murdering her own lover and using his blood to paint her final painting before setting it on fire.
Tatum has always run from her Sight, blocking out the spirits and her mother's encouragement to embrace the gift. But after her best friend dies, she's forced to come to terms with her Sight and discover what propelled her mother to commit such a vile act.
This book has such a mysterious and captivating premise! Tatum's witchy friends and found family were the best part of the book. Their bond and love for one another shone through.
I was really hooked from the beginning, but around 15% in, I felt like things started moving really slowly. I began to get frustrated with the characters' (mainly Tatum's) choices and had to start speed reading around 60% in. The book did a lot of telling that seemed contradictory to what it was showing. We were told that Tatum pushes people away, but her many friends (constantly called family) who knew her secret seemed to prove otherwise. Her hot and cold attitude towards Jonas felt so childish and tiring by the end.
While I enjoyed the mystery and message of friendship, I didn't think Portrait of a Haunting delivered enough suspense or thrill to keep me invested in the story line, and I didn't find Tatum very likeable.
Tatum Alexander has inherited the Sight, the ability to see and hear spirits, from her mother. Her mother is the infamous Red Hand, the woman locked up for murdering her own lover and using his blood to paint her final painting before setting it on fire.
Tatum has always run from her Sight, blocking out the spirits and her mother's encouragement to embrace the gift. But after her best friend dies, she's forced to come to terms with her Sight and discover what propelled her mother to commit such a vile act.
This book has such a mysterious and captivating premise! Tatum's witchy friends and found family were the best part of the book. Their bond and love for one another shone through.
I was really hooked from the beginning, but around 15% in, I felt like things started moving really slowly. I began to get frustrated with the characters' (mainly Tatum's) choices and had to start speed reading around 60% in. The book did a lot of telling that seemed contradictory to what it was showing. We were told that Tatum pushes people away, but her many friends (constantly called family) who knew her secret seemed to prove otherwise. Her hot and cold attitude towards Jonas felt so childish and tiring by the end.
While I enjoyed the mystery and message of friendship, I didn't think Portrait of a Haunting delivered enough suspense or thrill to keep me invested in the story line, and I didn't find Tatum very likeable.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Madison Tyler Nelson’s Portrait of a Haunting The premise alone had me instantly hooked, but what really got under my skin was the way the novel treats haunting as something inherited, intimate and impossible to escape. Tatum’s Sight is not some glamorous supernatural gift. It feels invasive and exhausting.
Then there’s Tatum’s mom Amarina’s history as an ex artist who murdered her lover and used his blood in her final painting hangs over every page. The novel understands that sometimes family trauma can feel just as haunting as the ghosts themselves.
I also loved how emotionally messy the relationships were. Tatum’s grief after Mischa’s murder gives the story real weight.
What surprised me most was how atmospheric the writing is. It reminded me of gothic horror filtered through modern occult fiction.
If I had one criticism, it’s that the pacing occasionally gets tangled in its own mythology, especially once the larger secrets start unraveling. There were moments where I wanted the emotional beats to breathe a little more instead of racing toward the next revelation. But even then, the mood carried me through.
Overall, Portrait of a Haunting is haunting in the truest sense of the word. It lingers. Perfect for readers who want their horror drenched in grief and longing with a modern gothic atmosphere.
Then there’s Tatum’s mom Amarina’s history as an ex artist who murdered her lover and used his blood in her final painting hangs over every page. The novel understands that sometimes family trauma can feel just as haunting as the ghosts themselves.
I also loved how emotionally messy the relationships were. Tatum’s grief after Mischa’s murder gives the story real weight.
What surprised me most was how atmospheric the writing is. It reminded me of gothic horror filtered through modern occult fiction.
If I had one criticism, it’s that the pacing occasionally gets tangled in its own mythology, especially once the larger secrets start unraveling. There were moments where I wanted the emotional beats to breathe a little more instead of racing toward the next revelation. But even then, the mood carried me through.
Overall, Portrait of a Haunting is haunting in the truest sense of the word. It lingers. Perfect for readers who want their horror drenched in grief and longing with a modern gothic atmosphere.
May 18, 2026
The story packs in ghosts, witches, murder, will-they-won’t-they romance, supernatural drama, and mother-daughter dynamics almost immediately. For me it struggled to find a distinct identity amongst all of those elements.
Ultimately, it wasn’t for me, though I can see it appealing to an audience who enjoy modern murder mysteries and paranormal fiction. And young adult characters who are learning to navigate life, flaws and all. It felt too college-aged juvenile for me, but I could see this being a great fit for a reader closer to the characters’ ages.
You might enjoy this one if you like:
- found family relationships
- inherited “gifts” & magical skills
- plenty of supernatural activity at once
- trendy settings (Lower East Side / Manhattan)
- unique and diverse characters
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.
Ultimately, it wasn’t for me, though I can see it appealing to an audience who enjoy modern murder mysteries and paranormal fiction. And young adult characters who are learning to navigate life, flaws and all. It felt too college-aged juvenile for me, but I could see this being a great fit for a reader closer to the characters’ ages.
You might enjoy this one if you like:
- found family relationships
- inherited “gifts” & magical skills
- plenty of supernatural activity at once
- trendy settings (Lower East Side / Manhattan)
- unique and diverse characters
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Dear Reader,
I'm incredibly proud to share Portrait of a Haunting as my debut novel. This story is a twisty, genre-blend of horror, fantasy and mystery; a story about found family, complex mother-daughter relationships, and the ghosts we can't outrun. My intention with my work is always to provide a safe space, a world where the reader can escape and feel and empathize. This book was born from the vision of a ghost on the subway, but with time, it became an exploration of grief and it's many layers. It has a fun cast of characters, ghosts that I hope stick with you, and bits of a haunted NYC - a city I love so much.
It's my hope that you love Tatum and her friends. It's my dream that this book finds someone and makes an impact. I hope you enjoy and I truly appreciate your kindness and time.
- M
I'm incredibly proud to share Portrait of a Haunting as my debut novel. This story is a twisty, genre-blend of horror, fantasy and mystery; a story about found family, complex mother-daughter relationships, and the ghosts we can't outrun. My intention with my work is always to provide a safe space, a world where the reader can escape and feel and empathize. This book was born from the vision of a ghost on the subway, but with time, it became an exploration of grief and it's many layers. It has a fun cast of characters, ghosts that I hope stick with you, and bits of a haunted NYC - a city I love so much.
It's my hope that you love Tatum and her friends. It's my dream that this book finds someone and makes an impact. I hope you enjoy and I truly appreciate your kindness and time.
- M
April 14, 2026
From the opening scene this book had me hooked, and it stayed that way right to the end. This story of Tatum, a woman in New York City that has inherited the gift of seeing ghosts from her mother trying to navigate both her power and the fact that someone might be trying to kill her is fast paced, romantic, and emotional. Did I mention her mother is in prison for ritualistically killing her boyfriend and now that may be coming back to haunt Tatum in very personal and tragic ways?
I loved the world building, the research, the found family, the twists. This is a book that is so much fun to read and really makes you think about your purpose, what things you are avoiding confrontation with, and whether or not that is healthy for you and the people around you. I definitely recommend this one!
I loved the world building, the research, the found family, the twists. This is a book that is so much fun to read and really makes you think about your purpose, what things you are avoiding confrontation with, and whether or not that is healthy for you and the people around you. I definitely recommend this one!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
✦•┈๑⋅⋯ Portrait of a Haunting by Madison Tyler Nelson ⋯⋅๑┈•✦
➝ • 3/5 ☆ •
☆꧁✬◦°˚°◦..◦°˚°◦✬꧂☆
Portrait of a Haunting hooked me early. The first 15–20% had the exact mood I wanted, and I thought the book was about to settle into something sharp. Instead, the story shifted into something that felt a lot less compelling. Not bad, just… not what the setup promised.
Most of the middle sat in that flat zone where the story and the writing are both perfectly serviceable but not doing much to keep the spark alive. The twist and the ending finally brought some energy back, which helped, but by then, the underwhelm had already set in.
Honestly, this feels like one of those books that might land better in audio.
☆꧁✬◦°˚°◦..◦°˚°◦✬꧂☆
If you like:
✔️ atmospheric suspense
✔️ spooky ghost vibes
✔️ slow burn mystery
✔️ psychological undertones
✔️ twist endings
✔️ Messy family history
📅 Pub Day: Oct 06 2026 📚
💌 ARC gifted via NetGalley from Berkley Publishing Group. All opinions are my own.
➝ • 3/5 ☆ •
☆꧁✬◦°˚°◦..◦°˚°◦✬꧂☆
Portrait of a Haunting hooked me early. The first 15–20% had the exact mood I wanted, and I thought the book was about to settle into something sharp. Instead, the story shifted into something that felt a lot less compelling. Not bad, just… not what the setup promised.
Most of the middle sat in that flat zone where the story and the writing are both perfectly serviceable but not doing much to keep the spark alive. The twist and the ending finally brought some energy back, which helped, but by then, the underwhelm had already set in.
Honestly, this feels like one of those books that might land better in audio.
☆꧁✬◦°˚°◦..◦°˚°◦✬꧂☆
If you like:
✔️ atmospheric suspense
✔️ spooky ghost vibes
✔️ slow burn mystery
✔️ psychological undertones
✔️ twist endings
✔️ Messy family history
📅 Pub Day: Oct 06 2026 📚
💌 ARC gifted via NetGalley from Berkley Publishing Group. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I didn't know what to expect going into this story, but I was so pleasantly surprised by the end. It was a beautiful tale of love, loss, family (both by blood and found), and finding oneself. Tatum's story was so compelling. I was addicted from the very first page! I think that the book kept a really good pace and I was kind of disappointed when it finished. I want to learn more about Leo and Ziggy as witches, I want to learn more about Jonas as a professor, and I want to delve into the history of the St. Marks Coven! This was such a fun read!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Much like its real and figurative ghosts, Portrait of a Haunting is an eerie tale that glides seamlessly between worlds, combining the puzzle-box thrills of a murder mystery with the gripping dread of a modern gothic. With an unforgettable ensemble and an earnest heroine at its heart, Nelson delivers a ghost story about loss, self-acceptance, and the complexity of family—both the ones we are born into and the ones we find for ourselves.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Portrait of a Haunting is exciting, fascinating, and fresh. I found myself devouring chapter over chapter, losing myself in the action. The author's range is evident -- the brushes with the supernatural are chilling, and the emphasis on found family pulls at your heart strings. With the backdrop of modern day NYC, this story makes me look twice down alleys, wondering what's behind shuttered doors, and who may be sitting next to me on the subway even if I can't see them!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I made it to 15% of this advanced copy from NetGalley and found myself not entirely hooked still, so I had to DNF. It felt very expository and I'm not a super fan of having a lot of stuff explained right from the getgo. Also the dialogue felt a little cheesy with the characters thrown in without being fully fleshed out/distinctive. I enjoyed the premise of this book, I just wish it didn't lack so much "show-don't-tell."
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book sounds like it would be a fun read; woman who can see ghosts with a serial killer mom & witchy friends solving a mystery. But the characters seem juvenile, you'd think being surrounded by death would make one more mature. Maybe its just me, but it felt a little too YA. This had potential to be something terrifying and dark but it fell flat for me.
Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy
Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Can I recommend this enough?? Portrait of a Haunting is engaging, brilliant, a non-stop page turner. We get a magic-filled NYC, found family, ghosts (so many ghosts!!), romance, intrigue, and a reminder that even at our “worst” we have reasons to persevere. Get ready to feel every emotion while you laugh and cry with Tatum and her fram. 10/10, all the stars, do not miss !
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I absolutely loved Portrait of a haunting!! It pulled me in and kept me hooked throughout the story. I smiled, I laughed, I cried. It had all the emotions. Not to mention the characters were so well done.. Tatum.. Mischa.. Amarina. I highly recommend this book. Couldn’t put it down and didn’t want it to end!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Part gritty murder mystery and part ghost story, with a smattering of art at its darkest, PORTRAIT OF A HAUNTING is a searingly beautiful page-turner about rage and love, the depths of friendship, and how far one will go for family.
Can’t recommend highly enough.
Can’t recommend highly enough.
Review of advance copy
Ahhh! This book is a masterful portrayal of your past literally coming back to haunt you, sprinkled with themes of found family, healing, finding your voice and purpose, and having a reckoning with your inner demons - in the face of some seriously spooky real ones.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Portrait of a Haunting is a captivating, fanciful mystery. The author beautifully portrays complicated parental dynamics and the profound impact of chosen family in an NYC full of ghosts, witches, and all things spooky. *Received advanced copy via NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Portrait of a Haunting is a thrilling story with a mystery that kept my attention all the way through to its ethereal end. I had a lot of fun getting to know these characters and following Tate’s journey, while also being surprised (and satisfied) with how the ending turned out for all of them. I This is a really well rounded story that I can tell has a lot of passion and heart. Madison, I hope you’re proud!!
Thank you so much to Berkley and NetGalley for giving me early review access!
Thank you so much to Berkley and NetGalley for giving me early review access!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Advanced read from NetGalley. Thank you NetGalley and thank you to the author. I loved this so much, such a beautiful and touching story and honestly so very awesome. It had sad moments and happy moments, but it was all around a wonderful story.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
May 11, 2026I loved this book so much. Madison’s writing kept me wanting to read more as soon as I put it down. At its core, a young girl living life in NYC while trying to understand her complicated relationship with her mother. So much tension, sacrifice & deep love. The story had a great balance of thrilling moments and Tatum’s character growth felt real. Authentic.
I would recommend this book to any adult & I can’t wait to read more of Madison’s books!
I would recommend this book to any adult & I can’t wait to read more of Madison’s books!
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