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The Knocking: A Novel
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Expected 14 Jul 26Win a free kindle copy of this book!
1 day and 01:25:12
100 copies available
U.S. only
In a house this haunted, both the living and the dead pose dangers to a female journalist in nineteenth-century New York in a chilling historical gothic by the author of
Who Is the Liar
.
It’s 1850 when intrepid journalist and women’s-rights advocate Edith Ann, “E. A.,” Howe arrives at the home of iconic newspaper founder Horace Greeley. Her assignment is to chronicle the uncanny gifts of Cathie Fox, an eleven-year-old medium in Horace’s charge. Mysterious knocking sounds follow Cathie as she channels the restless spirit of the Greeleys’ deceased son, Pickie—a ghostly consolation to Horace’s profoundly unwell and grieving wife. As her condition worsens, E. A. suspects foul play.
Something is very wrong in this house. Sharp-tongued housekeepers warn her to steer clear of the attic. Pickie’s alleged messages from beyond are more disturbing than comforting. And the seemingly guileless Cathie claims that the house is eating her alive. All the while Cathie’s beautiful English governess is awakening something restless in E. A.
As she wrestles with her own childhood terrors, E. A. must investigate the story of the spirit-knockings and reveal whether the greatest threats are coming from the living or the dead.
It’s 1850 when intrepid journalist and women’s-rights advocate Edith Ann, “E. A.,” Howe arrives at the home of iconic newspaper founder Horace Greeley. Her assignment is to chronicle the uncanny gifts of Cathie Fox, an eleven-year-old medium in Horace’s charge. Mysterious knocking sounds follow Cathie as she channels the restless spirit of the Greeleys’ deceased son, Pickie—a ghostly consolation to Horace’s profoundly unwell and grieving wife. As her condition worsens, E. A. suspects foul play.
Something is very wrong in this house. Sharp-tongued housekeepers warn her to steer clear of the attic. Pickie’s alleged messages from beyond are more disturbing than comforting. And the seemingly guileless Cathie claims that the house is eating her alive. All the while Cathie’s beautiful English governess is awakening something restless in E. A.
As she wrestles with her own childhood terrors, E. A. must investigate the story of the spirit-knockings and reveal whether the greatest threats are coming from the living or the dead.
- GenresGothicHistorical Fiction
Audible Audio
Expected publication July 14, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 stars.
The Knocking is lightly based on true events that happened during the Spiritualism craze in America. We follow E.A. (a figment of imagination and not a real person) who is tasked by her boss 'Lady Jane' Swisshelm (real) to entreat Mr. Horace Greeley (real), a newspaper owner, to take a negative stance against the Compromise of 1850. E.A. personally feels very strongly about this as she is an abolitionist and proponent of equal rights for all. While attempting to meet with Greeley, E.A. gets sucked into the chaos of his household, which consists of a small child, a wife with debilitating grief, a mother-daughter servant team both called Martha, and the star of the show, Catie Fox (real) 11 year old spirit medium of the famous Fox family and her governess Miss Elliot. While staying in the house, E.A. is tasked instead with writing a column about the child medium.
The story was interesting overall. I think it was fascinating to be placed in this certain time period with the political focuses that were present in this story. At one point, our intrepid reporter attends a lecture by the Frederick Douglass (real, of course). You can really tell that the author, although taking some liberties, tried to keep historical facts accurate while still leaving room for the reader to speculate on if the spirit telegraph has merit. Though we do get some really wild and creepy scenes of mediumship, much of this story leans more into the political aspects and a surprise romance. I wish it would have leaned a little more into the gothic, dark paranormal aspects. The tone felt too light for a true feeling of dread and horror to seep in.
However, I think if you are someone who tends to get scared easily while reading, this would be a good one to try out. There are a couple creepier scenes, but for the most part nothing overly intense. I would say the level of scary that one would encounter in a book for a younger audience. This is an adult book, but one could argue closer to New Adult with some YA crossover.
*Thank you to Little A and NetGalley for the eARC. All thoughts are my own.*
The Knocking is lightly based on true events that happened during the Spiritualism craze in America. We follow E.A. (a figment of imagination and not a real person) who is tasked by her boss 'Lady Jane' Swisshelm (real) to entreat Mr. Horace Greeley (real), a newspaper owner, to take a negative stance against the Compromise of 1850. E.A. personally feels very strongly about this as she is an abolitionist and proponent of equal rights for all. While attempting to meet with Greeley, E.A. gets sucked into the chaos of his household, which consists of a small child, a wife with debilitating grief, a mother-daughter servant team both called Martha, and the star of the show, Catie Fox (real) 11 year old spirit medium of the famous Fox family and her governess Miss Elliot. While staying in the house, E.A. is tasked instead with writing a column about the child medium.
The story was interesting overall. I think it was fascinating to be placed in this certain time period with the political focuses that were present in this story. At one point, our intrepid reporter attends a lecture by the Frederick Douglass (real, of course). You can really tell that the author, although taking some liberties, tried to keep historical facts accurate while still leaving room for the reader to speculate on if the spirit telegraph has merit. Though we do get some really wild and creepy scenes of mediumship, much of this story leans more into the political aspects and a surprise romance. I wish it would have leaned a little more into the gothic, dark paranormal aspects. The tone felt too light for a true feeling of dread and horror to seep in.
However, I think if you are someone who tends to get scared easily while reading, this would be a good one to try out. There are a couple creepier scenes, but for the most part nothing overly intense. I would say the level of scary that one would encounter in a book for a younger audience. This is an adult book, but one could argue closer to New Adult with some YA crossover.
*Thank you to Little A and NetGalley for the eARC. All thoughts are my own.*
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Knocking: A Novel is the kind of horror-leaning story that doesn’t just scare you—it unsettles you in a way that lingers long after you’ve put it down.
From the start, there’s an eerie, intrusive atmosphere that feels like it’s pressing in from the edges of every scene. The “knocking” itself becomes more than a concept—it turns into this constant psychological presence, something that feels both external and uncomfortably internal, like the story is echoing inside your own head. That’s where this book is at its strongest: in that slow, creeping discomfort that builds rather than explodes.
There’s a surreal quality to the narrative that keeps you slightly off-balance. At times it feels grounded in reality, and then it shifts just enough to make you question what you’re actually seeing. I really liked that instability—it suits the tone perfectly and adds to the sense that nothing here is entirely safe or trustworthy.
The emotional layer is quieter but still present, often tied to anxiety, memory, and the feeling of being trapped in something you can’t fully name or escape. I did find myself wanting a bit more clarity in certain sections, especially when the narrative leaned further into abstraction, but that ambiguity also contributes to the overall unease.
Pacing is deliberately slow and atmospheric, which works for the type of horror this is aiming for. It’s not about constant action or jump scares—it’s about pressure building until it becomes hard to ignore. That said, there were moments where the slowness felt slightly stretched, depending on your tolerance for ambiguity-heavy storytelling.
From the start, there’s an eerie, intrusive atmosphere that feels like it’s pressing in from the edges of every scene. The “knocking” itself becomes more than a concept—it turns into this constant psychological presence, something that feels both external and uncomfortably internal, like the story is echoing inside your own head. That’s where this book is at its strongest: in that slow, creeping discomfort that builds rather than explodes.
There’s a surreal quality to the narrative that keeps you slightly off-balance. At times it feels grounded in reality, and then it shifts just enough to make you question what you’re actually seeing. I really liked that instability—it suits the tone perfectly and adds to the sense that nothing here is entirely safe or trustworthy.
The emotional layer is quieter but still present, often tied to anxiety, memory, and the feeling of being trapped in something you can’t fully name or escape. I did find myself wanting a bit more clarity in certain sections, especially when the narrative leaned further into abstraction, but that ambiguity also contributes to the overall unease.
Pacing is deliberately slow and atmospheric, which works for the type of horror this is aiming for. It’s not about constant action or jump scares—it’s about pressure building until it becomes hard to ignore. That said, there were moments where the slowness felt slightly stretched, depending on your tolerance for ambiguity-heavy storytelling.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC for review. To be published July 14, 2026.
3 stars
It’s 1850 and Edith Ann (Lily Tomlin…..wait. That can’t be right. Oh, it’s E.A. And only those of a certain age will even get that. Sigh. I have become an old person.) Howe is an aspiring journalist sent to Horace Greeley’s home by her mentor to persuade the famous editor to renounce the Fugitive Slave Act in his papers.
However, her cover story is that she is there to cover Cathie Fox, an eleven year old medium who is meant to be contacting one of the Greeley’s deceased children on behalf of Greeley’s ailing wife. Howe notes that there are charlatans about other than possibly Fox as well as servants and she is unsure of most everyone as she knows something is wrong in the house.
For quite awhile I thought the book was YA and it would suffice, I think. It lacks a bit as adult fiction even though it covers an interesting time in history and includes several real life individuals, which I enjoy. It was just OK for me.
3 stars
It’s 1850 and Edith Ann (Lily Tomlin…..wait. That can’t be right. Oh, it’s E.A. And only those of a certain age will even get that. Sigh. I have become an old person.) Howe is an aspiring journalist sent to Horace Greeley’s home by her mentor to persuade the famous editor to renounce the Fugitive Slave Act in his papers.
However, her cover story is that she is there to cover Cathie Fox, an eleven year old medium who is meant to be contacting one of the Greeley’s deceased children on behalf of Greeley’s ailing wife. Howe notes that there are charlatans about other than possibly Fox as well as servants and she is unsure of most everyone as she knows something is wrong in the house.
For quite awhile I thought the book was YA and it would suffice, I think. It lacks a bit as adult fiction even though it covers an interesting time in history and includes several real life individuals, which I enjoy. It was just OK for me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Knocking is one of those eerie, unsettling reads that lingers long after you’ve turned the final page. The story leans into a raw, almost chaotic energy, blending supernatural horror with emotional depth in a way that feels both disorienting and compelling.
Laura Lee Bahr’s writing is vivid and intense, though at times the pacing and structure can feel a little uneven. Still, that unpredictability adds to the overall atmosphere, making it hard to look away even when things get strange.
A haunting and unique read that won’t be for everyone, but if you enjoy darker, more unconventional horror, it’s definitely worth picking up.
Laura Lee Bahr’s writing is vivid and intense, though at times the pacing and structure can feel a little uneven. Still, that unpredictability adds to the overall atmosphere, making it hard to look away even when things get strange.
A haunting and unique read that won’t be for everyone, but if you enjoy darker, more unconventional horror, it’s definitely worth picking up.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
As someone who has always been interested in nineteenth century spiritualism, this was a highly engaging read for me. Edith's voice is distinct and compelling and you really get a sense of who she is and what she stands for. Like all good haunted house stories, the Greeley house was its own vivid character and I found some of the scenes with the spirit channeling genuinely spooky. While at times it felt as if there were a few too many different plot threads introduced and not enough connecting them together into a fully coherent narrative, I nevertheless enjoyed them all.
Thank you to Little A for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to Little A for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
DNF at 22%. Unfortunately, the protagonist of this book is really not for me. She feels like a caricature of a feminist journalist, literally half-feral because she was raised running around in the woods. She has no social graces at all, which seems strange for someone who is trying to rise in such a male-dominated field that depends on getting people to open up to her and tell her things. There are some creepy scenes that open up the book, but the pacing is also so slow and drags like crazy. Perhaps all the characters improve as you keep reading, but for me, this ensemble cast feels too much like a parody of a haunted mansion to keep going.
DNF at 22%. Unfortunately, the protagonist of this book is really not for me. She feels like a caricature of a feminist journalist, literally half-feral because she was raised running around in the woods. She has no social graces at all, which seems strange for someone who is trying to rise in such a male-dominated field that depends on getting people to open up to her and tell her things. There are some creepy scenes that open up the book, but the pacing is also so slow and drags like crazy. Perhaps all the characters improve as you keep reading, but for me, this ensemble cast feels too much like a parody of a haunted mansion to keep going.
July 12, 2026
It’s described as a “chilling historical gothic.” There is nothing chilling about this book whatsoever. If you asked, I wouldn’t even be able to tell you what this book is about. There are no likable characters.
Maybe it would have been a different experience if I read the book physically. The narrator for the audio wasn’t bad, but I don’t think this was the book for her. For a book that was supposed to be spooky, the narration gave it a real comical twist. Her voice would have been better suited for a rom-com.
Did not enjoy. Would not recommend.
Maybe it would have been a different experience if I read the book physically. The narrator for the audio wasn’t bad, but I don’t think this was the book for her. For a book that was supposed to be spooky, the narration gave it a real comical twist. Her voice would have been better suited for a rom-com.
Did not enjoy. Would not recommend.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The whole story was very slow and I kind of felt lost as to what was actually happening in the story.
I felt that the plot was pretty solid--- a newspaper woman with feministic and equal rights ideas gets called to a haunted castle. But the whole thing wasn't sitting right with me.
I liked the humor and the LGBTQ elements and the Mrs. Greely's pain about loosing her kids. Even Cathie Fox was interesting. But after the 40% mark, the story was just getting dragged.
I felt that the plot was pretty solid--- a newspaper woman with feministic and equal rights ideas gets called to a haunted castle. But the whole thing wasn't sitting right with me.
I liked the humor and the LGBTQ elements and the Mrs. Greely's pain about loosing her kids. Even Cathie Fox was interesting. But after the 40% mark, the story was just getting dragged.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.
This book was nothing what I expected and I enjoyed it all the more for that. I was shocked at the end in the author’s note to learn that this is based on real events in history. I enjoyed almost everything about this book from the queer representation to the feminist and pro-abolitionist movement. I expected this to be a light horror, but it was made all the more compelling with these serious notes.
This book was nothing what I expected and I enjoyed it all the more for that. I was shocked at the end in the author’s note to learn that this is based on real events in history. I enjoyed almost everything about this book from the queer representation to the feminist and pro-abolitionist movement. I expected this to be a light horror, but it was made all the more compelling with these serious notes.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Read this as an ARC on NetGalley.
Loved this. So unique how it connects the politics of 1850 to the start of the Spiritualism movement. Historical fiction with a gothic twist. I found the narrator/protagonist very charming and fun to go along the mystery with. It's not super scary--more of a creepy vibe--but the emotion adds to the themes of belief vs. truth, "modern" medicine/technology and ethics. Cool genre mash up.
Loved this. So unique how it connects the politics of 1850 to the start of the Spiritualism movement. Historical fiction with a gothic twist. I found the narrator/protagonist very charming and fun to go along the mystery with. It's not super scary--more of a creepy vibe--but the emotion adds to the themes of belief vs. truth, "modern" medicine/technology and ethics. Cool genre mash up.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The cover intrigued me and the writing kept pulling me back in. I never wanted to put this down. Victorian seances mixed with horror, a head strong woman that doesn't play but the rules, ghosts, and a bit of a sapphic love affair...count me in. My only reason for not giving it five stars was that they ending fell a little flat for me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an audio ARC.
This was a quick read, but it didn't feel fully fleshed out. I wish the characters felt a bit more developed. There is a good and interesting story though here, which kept me interested in the book. The narrator also did well and often provided an emotional performance.
This was a quick read, but it didn't feel fully fleshed out. I wish the characters felt a bit more developed. There is a good and interesting story though here, which kept me interested in the book. The narrator also did well and often provided an emotional performance.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Bahr conjures a bone-deep Gothic atmosphere in this gripping tale of secrets and the supernatural. When journalist A.E. Howe investigates an eleven-year-old psychic, she is pulled into a mystery shaped by unseen forces—and escalating danger. A haunting, twist-filled read you won’t put down.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Will write review soon
May 2, 2026
I thought the description of this book sounded so good, and it does describe the book well but for me it was a little disappointing. It may have been that I really didn't like the characters except for Edith. I found the doctors, Jessica, the Martha's and Cathie all unlikeable and annoying, and the part about Mr. Splitfoot seemed very odd. I'm sure some may enjoy the book but for me it was a little bit of a letdown. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
While it started off rather slow, it didn’t take long to get engaging. I enjoyed our protagonist and the array of colorful friends she came into contact with. I find this author to be great fun to read. I like her writing style and thorough world building.
*book received from netgalley
*book received from netgalley
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews