What do you think?
Rate this book
The Betrayal of Cora Wexford: A Novel
From the New York Times bestselling author of Dinner for Vampires, Bethany Joy Lenz, comes a romantic psychological thriller set in Victorian-era London when Jack the Ripper's victims were still invisible women.
1880s London. Cora Wexford is single and childless at thirty-seven, with secrets that drove her to flee life in America and come to London. Now, she makes a living by painting the dead.
On the evening of her birthday, she is introduced through friends to a charming and successful stranger named Miles Vale. As Cora falls deeper into trust and surrender with Miles, she's given an opportunity to catapult her career. A suffragist and esteemed gallery owner commission Cora to create a series of portraits featuring ordinary women whose recent deaths have been caused or enabled by a system that ignores them. But when several women turn up murdered in the same gruesome way, Cora's work turns to obsession and her life begins unraveling. But is it the city’s brutal violence or something closer? As her relationship with Miles becomes increasingly disorienting, she can't stop herself from asking one Is it worse to die like a victim of this "Jack the Ripper” or to be dismantled over years, one slice at a time, by someone sharing your bed?
The Betrayal of Cora Wexford is a gripping novel of psychological suspense that examines intertwined themes of desire, manipulation and community complicity—and shows how truly terrifying love can be.
1880s London. Cora Wexford is single and childless at thirty-seven, with secrets that drove her to flee life in America and come to London. Now, she makes a living by painting the dead.
On the evening of her birthday, she is introduced through friends to a charming and successful stranger named Miles Vale. As Cora falls deeper into trust and surrender with Miles, she's given an opportunity to catapult her career. A suffragist and esteemed gallery owner commission Cora to create a series of portraits featuring ordinary women whose recent deaths have been caused or enabled by a system that ignores them. But when several women turn up murdered in the same gruesome way, Cora's work turns to obsession and her life begins unraveling. But is it the city’s brutal violence or something closer? As her relationship with Miles becomes increasingly disorienting, she can't stop herself from asking one Is it worse to die like a victim of this "Jack the Ripper” or to be dismantled over years, one slice at a time, by someone sharing your bed?
The Betrayal of Cora Wexford is a gripping novel of psychological suspense that examines intertwined themes of desire, manipulation and community complicity—and shows how truly terrifying love can be.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 20, 2026
About the author
Bethany Joy Lenz
3 books525 followersBethany Joy Lenz is the author of the acclaimed memoir Dinner for Vampires, which spent multiple weeks on the New York Times bestseller list, was named one of Time’s Best of the Year, and was featured on Call Her Daddy. Lenz starred in the hit TV series One Tree Hill and other acting credits include Grey’s Anatomy, Dexter, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., and Hope Valley: 1874. She is also a recording artist and composer, and fine artist.
source: Amazon
source: Amazon
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
Want to Read
March 19, 2026okay Haley James Scott. Go off.
August 12, 2026
As a longtime fan of Bethany Joy Lenz and her memoir, Dinner for Vampires, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on her first work of fiction. I’ll admit, I was a little nervous. Her memoir set the bar high, and I had some pretty big expectations for her debut novel.
What a debut!
The Betrayal of Cora Wexford is captivating, beautifully nuanced, and deeply thought-provoking. Set in 1880s London, the story follows Cora, a 38-year-old American expat who paints the dead, as she becomes entangled with the charming Miles Vale while memorializing victims of the Whitechapel killer.
The synopsis hooked me immediately, but it was the layers beneath the story that really stayed with me. There are fascinating parallels between Cora’s experiences and some of Bethany Joy Lenz’s own life experiences, particularly the way intelligent, capable women can become vulnerable to psychological manipulation and control. That thread gives the story an added emotional weight and makes Cora’s journey all the more compelling.
This is the kind of book that gives you plenty to think about long after you’ve turned the final page. Incredibly nuanced, thought-provoking, and meaningful.
Favorite line: "Quiet rebellions. I got away with them all the time."
5 glowing stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
What a debut!
The Betrayal of Cora Wexford is captivating, beautifully nuanced, and deeply thought-provoking. Set in 1880s London, the story follows Cora, a 38-year-old American expat who paints the dead, as she becomes entangled with the charming Miles Vale while memorializing victims of the Whitechapel killer.
The synopsis hooked me immediately, but it was the layers beneath the story that really stayed with me. There are fascinating parallels between Cora’s experiences and some of Bethany Joy Lenz’s own life experiences, particularly the way intelligent, capable women can become vulnerable to psychological manipulation and control. That thread gives the story an added emotional weight and makes Cora’s journey all the more compelling.
This is the kind of book that gives you plenty to think about long after you’ve turned the final page. Incredibly nuanced, thought-provoking, and meaningful.
Favorite line: "Quiet rebellions. I got away with them all the time."
5 glowing stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Fans of Victorian-era fiction are sure to most appreciate The Betrayal of Cora Wexford. Hauntingly, the novel speaks to the often submissive, and dismissive, role of women of the time, Lenz immersing readers in a love affair where everything isn’t always as it seems and giving us an antagonist who excels in manipulation.
Gaining notoriety as a postmortem painter once commissioned by a respected gallery owner and a determined suffragist, Cora embraces the opportunity to immortalize the ignored and otherwise forgotten, successfully capturing aspects of their lives that make each subject unique. Suspecting several are victims of Jack the Ripper intensifies her passion as does the dark secret she keeps from her most trusted friends.
My frustration with Cora’s chronic, ruminating denial of her lover’s faults paled in comparison with my desire to see Miles Vale get his just deserts, a villain so devious readers are sure to champion his demise. Thank you, Simon and Schuster, Bethany Joy Lenz, and NetGalley for an ARC I won’t soon forget.
Gaining notoriety as a postmortem painter once commissioned by a respected gallery owner and a determined suffragist, Cora embraces the opportunity to immortalize the ignored and otherwise forgotten, successfully capturing aspects of their lives that make each subject unique. Suspecting several are victims of Jack the Ripper intensifies her passion as does the dark secret she keeps from her most trusted friends.
My frustration with Cora’s chronic, ruminating denial of her lover’s faults paled in comparison with my desire to see Miles Vale get his just deserts, a villain so devious readers are sure to champion his demise. Thank you, Simon and Schuster, Bethany Joy Lenz, and NetGalley for an ARC I won’t soon forget.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
'From the New York Times bestselling author of Dinner for Vampires, Bethany Joy Lenz, comes a romantic psychological suspense set in Victorian-era London amidst the Jack the Ripper murders.’
Following this kind of blurb, how could I resist?
I gotta say this book held my attention and kept me flipping pages. But I have to agree with a few of the other readers on some of the lingo/terms used in what is supposed to be the Victorian era. I clocked it as well and I could not let it go.
Additionally, the bickering between Cora and the Jekyll and Hyde character, Miles, nearly had me pulling my hair out. It was straight up maddening. But he was a maniac, so… Grace granted.
Regardless of my mixed feelings after finishing this one, nothing deterred me. I was eager to see its end and that's exactly what I did.. I read it in a single sitting.
So... take that for what you will.
Thanks to Simon & Schuster for the opportunity. All opinions are my own.
Pub: 10.20.26.
Following this kind of blurb, how could I resist?
I gotta say this book held my attention and kept me flipping pages. But I have to agree with a few of the other readers on some of the lingo/terms used in what is supposed to be the Victorian era. I clocked it as well and I could not let it go.
Additionally, the bickering between Cora and the Jekyll and Hyde character, Miles, nearly had me pulling my hair out. It was straight up maddening. But he was a maniac, so… Grace granted.
Regardless of my mixed feelings after finishing this one, nothing deterred me. I was eager to see its end and that's exactly what I did.. I read it in a single sitting.
So... take that for what you will.
Thanks to Simon & Schuster for the opportunity. All opinions are my own.
Pub: 10.20.26.
September 18, 2026
As a huge fan of Dinner for Vampires, I was very excited that Lenz was entering into the world of fiction. The premise of The Betrayal of Cora Wexford was very promising and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it.
However, the book fell a little flat for me. This book is being marketed as a psychological suspense and historical fiction, but I feel that it was lacking in both. This was very character driven with minimal plot and it just felt disjointed at times.
There was so much modern day therapy-speak that would immediately pull me out of the story and it ended up taking me quite some time to finish it.
There were some very thought-provoking moments and if you know Lenz’s story, you can identify some of the parallels that she wrote with these characters, which gave some depth to the story. Overall, I’m not mad that I read it but I don’t know that I’ll be recommending it to many.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
However, the book fell a little flat for me. This book is being marketed as a psychological suspense and historical fiction, but I feel that it was lacking in both. This was very character driven with minimal plot and it just felt disjointed at times.
There was so much modern day therapy-speak that would immediately pull me out of the story and it ended up taking me quite some time to finish it.
There were some very thought-provoking moments and if you know Lenz’s story, you can identify some of the parallels that she wrote with these characters, which gave some depth to the story. Overall, I’m not mad that I read it but I don’t know that I’ll be recommending it to many.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
3.75 stars
I’ve been a fan of Bethany Joy Lenz for a long time, and after reading Dinner for Vampires, I found myself fiercely in her corner. So when I had the opportunity to read her first novel early, I jumped at it—and I think The Betrayal of Cora Wexford is a very strong and impressively ambitious fiction debut.
Set in 1880s London, the novel follows Cora Wexford, an American artist who has built an unusual career painting portraits of the dead—not as they appear in death, but as they were in life, giving their families something beautiful by which to remember them. Her work takes on new significance when a gallery owner commissions her to paint ordinary women whose deaths have largely been ignored, just as Jack the Ripper begins terrorizing Whitechapel.
But while the Ripper murders create the historical backdrop, this isn’t really a Jack the Ripper story. The more intimate—and ultimately more frightening—story is about Cora’s relationship with the charming Miles Vale.
Cora falls for Miles while ignoring red flags that become increasingly difficult to dismiss. Watching his manipulation slowly take hold was actually the strongest part of the book for me. Having read Dinner for Vampires, in which Lenz writes about her own experiences with coercion, manipulation, and financial exploitation, it is difficult not to recognize how deeply she understands the psychology of being manipulated by someone you trust. That understanding makes its way onto the page in a way that feels painfully believable.
One thing historical-fiction readers should know going in is that Lenz takes a somewhat modernized approach to Victorian London. I was reminded a little of Bridgerton—not because the stories are particularly similar, but because both create a version of historical England that incorporates more contemporary attitudes and a more racially diverse cast of characters. Cora and the women around her also sometimes discuss boundaries, manipulation, and relationships in ways that feel informed by modern therapy language.
For historical-fiction purists, that may occasionally pull you out of the period. Once I accepted that this was the world Lenz was intentionally creating, however, I was happy to go along with it.
And I really liked Cora. I rooted for her, became increasingly frustrated on her behalf, and found the final portion of the novel genuinely suspenseful. Oddly enough, parts of it even reminded me of Lisa Jewell’s Don’t Let Him In—a completely different kind of book, but another story about the damage a deeply manipulative man can inflict on the women who trust him.
Historical fiction is an ambitious genre to tackle for a first novel, and while there were places where I could feel that this was a debut, I came away impressed by Lenz’s storytelling and especially by her understanding of emotional manipulation. I would absolutely read another novel from her.
If you enjoy historical fiction with feminist themes, psychological suspense, complicated women, and stories about reclaiming your voice after someone has tried to take it from you, this is definitely one to put on your list.
The Betrayal of Cora Wexford publishes October 20, 2026.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster for sending me an advance reading copy.
I’ve been a fan of Bethany Joy Lenz for a long time, and after reading Dinner for Vampires, I found myself fiercely in her corner. So when I had the opportunity to read her first novel early, I jumped at it—and I think The Betrayal of Cora Wexford is a very strong and impressively ambitious fiction debut.
Set in 1880s London, the novel follows Cora Wexford, an American artist who has built an unusual career painting portraits of the dead—not as they appear in death, but as they were in life, giving their families something beautiful by which to remember them. Her work takes on new significance when a gallery owner commissions her to paint ordinary women whose deaths have largely been ignored, just as Jack the Ripper begins terrorizing Whitechapel.
But while the Ripper murders create the historical backdrop, this isn’t really a Jack the Ripper story. The more intimate—and ultimately more frightening—story is about Cora’s relationship with the charming Miles Vale.
Cora falls for Miles while ignoring red flags that become increasingly difficult to dismiss. Watching his manipulation slowly take hold was actually the strongest part of the book for me. Having read Dinner for Vampires, in which Lenz writes about her own experiences with coercion, manipulation, and financial exploitation, it is difficult not to recognize how deeply she understands the psychology of being manipulated by someone you trust. That understanding makes its way onto the page in a way that feels painfully believable.
One thing historical-fiction readers should know going in is that Lenz takes a somewhat modernized approach to Victorian London. I was reminded a little of Bridgerton—not because the stories are particularly similar, but because both create a version of historical England that incorporates more contemporary attitudes and a more racially diverse cast of characters. Cora and the women around her also sometimes discuss boundaries, manipulation, and relationships in ways that feel informed by modern therapy language.
For historical-fiction purists, that may occasionally pull you out of the period. Once I accepted that this was the world Lenz was intentionally creating, however, I was happy to go along with it.
And I really liked Cora. I rooted for her, became increasingly frustrated on her behalf, and found the final portion of the novel genuinely suspenseful. Oddly enough, parts of it even reminded me of Lisa Jewell’s Don’t Let Him In—a completely different kind of book, but another story about the damage a deeply manipulative man can inflict on the women who trust him.
Historical fiction is an ambitious genre to tackle for a first novel, and while there were places where I could feel that this was a debut, I came away impressed by Lenz’s storytelling and especially by her understanding of emotional manipulation. I would absolutely read another novel from her.
If you enjoy historical fiction with feminist themes, psychological suspense, complicated women, and stories about reclaiming your voice after someone has tried to take it from you, this is definitely one to put on your list.
The Betrayal of Cora Wexford publishes October 20, 2026.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster for sending me an advance reading copy.
October 20, 2026
A nicely atmospheric well paced tale set in Victorian London. Cora left the US for London, where she's supported herself by painting the dead. She's got friends, Dodo the dog, and 15 year old Odette as an apprentice of sorts. And then she meets Miles, who more or less sweeps her off her feet. Except that something does't feel quite right. You might sense it before she does. Lenz balances Cora and her art (she's using metaphors in paintings of women who have been murdered) with her relationship with Miles. I don't want to spoil this for other readers because it takes some interesting turns. You will feel the tension amp up. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A great debut and I'm looking forward to more fiction from Lenz.
September 28, 2026
4/5⭐️ Congratulations to Bethany Joy Lenz on creating a villian so upsetting and viscerally real that I spent most of this book filled with rage. I had to remind myself to take deep breaths because while this particular man is not real, there are many like him out there.
The Betrayal of Cora Wexford is quite a genre bending historical fiction following a 38 year old artist, Cora, during the time of Jack the Ripper in London. The novel includes many articles and cartoons from that time period which I really felt added to the book. The pacing of the story is quite slow and very character driven while also being wildly unsettling like a thriller and having the social commentary of a satire. I really enjoyed the story overall and think it'd be a fantastic addition to people's Fall TBRs.
I don't think this will be a great fit for readers looking for a fast paced plot or shocking twists but if you can appreciate a book with a lot to say and that will get under your skin then I recommend you pick this up!
Thank you Simon Books Buddy for the ARC!
The Betrayal of Cora Wexford is quite a genre bending historical fiction following a 38 year old artist, Cora, during the time of Jack the Ripper in London. The novel includes many articles and cartoons from that time period which I really felt added to the book. The pacing of the story is quite slow and very character driven while also being wildly unsettling like a thriller and having the social commentary of a satire. I really enjoyed the story overall and think it'd be a fantastic addition to people's Fall TBRs.
I don't think this will be a great fit for readers looking for a fast paced plot or shocking twists but if you can appreciate a book with a lot to say and that will get under your skin then I recommend you pick this up!
Thank you Simon Books Buddy for the ARC!
August 21, 2026
I really wanted to love this one! While I enjoyed it, it just wasn’t a 5 star for me. The character of Miles was so insufferable! Bethany did such an excellent job of writing a character so worthy of hate. But there was no resolution to him. There was so much drama and focus on how she was manipulated by this man and not enough about the historical fiction part of the book that I was hoping for. All in all, I liked it. I just didn’t love it!
October 1, 2026
I read and had my mind blown by Dinner for Vampires when I read it last year, so I was super excited when Simon & Schuster offered me a copy of Bethany Joy Lenz’ foray into fiction.
Set in Victorian London against the backdrop of the Jack the Ripper murders, and with authentic newspaper articles interspersed throughout, the book felt very eerie in spots. The main character Cora paints deceased people and definitely lives outside the confines of what was acceptable for a woman of the time period.
I will say, this started out quiet and unassuming and got dark and heavy really fast. I think I was expecting the book to be something different than what it was. I thought it would be about Cora and her love interest, Miles, teaming up to try to figure out who was behind the Ripper murders. And then, as I got to know Miles better as a character, I thought he was going to be unveiled as Jack the Ripper — because he was just awful.
What this book is actually about is gaslighting and being a victim of a narcissist. Miles acted like he was interested in Cora but was really only ever out for himself. He was absolutely horrible. Anyone who has dealt with gaslighting will find this book relatable for sure.
However, Cora felt like a modern woman plopped in a Victorian setting. The way she talked and behaved was completely out of character for a woman of that time period (even a transplanted American woman). I was also disappointed that Miles didn’t get his comeuppance! He was horrible and needed to suffer! Instead, he wound up married to Cora’s protege and will end up in a wealthy family??? Ugh!
While I did enjoy the story and read it very quickly, it left me wanting a lighter read for sure as my next book!
thank you to the publisher, Simon & Schuster, for thinking of me and reaching out to me with a copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
Set in Victorian London against the backdrop of the Jack the Ripper murders, and with authentic newspaper articles interspersed throughout, the book felt very eerie in spots. The main character Cora paints deceased people and definitely lives outside the confines of what was acceptable for a woman of the time period.
I will say, this started out quiet and unassuming and got dark and heavy really fast. I think I was expecting the book to be something different than what it was. I thought it would be about Cora and her love interest, Miles, teaming up to try to figure out who was behind the Ripper murders. And then, as I got to know Miles better as a character, I thought he was going to be unveiled as Jack the Ripper — because he was just awful.
What this book is actually about is gaslighting and being a victim of a narcissist. Miles acted like he was interested in Cora but was really only ever out for himself. He was absolutely horrible. Anyone who has dealt with gaslighting will find this book relatable for sure.
However, Cora felt like a modern woman plopped in a Victorian setting. The way she talked and behaved was completely out of character for a woman of that time period (even a transplanted American woman). I was also disappointed that Miles didn’t get his comeuppance! He was horrible and needed to suffer! Instead, he wound up married to Cora’s protege and will end up in a wealthy family??? Ugh!
While I did enjoy the story and read it very quickly, it left me wanting a lighter read for sure as my next book!
thank you to the publisher, Simon & Schuster, for thinking of me and reaching out to me with a copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
***Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to review an ARC of this novel***
The Betrayal of Cora Wexford begins with a darkly intriguing premise--a female artist who paints the dead for work. As we learn more about Cora, we see her keen powers of observation, as she recognizes symbolism in her subjects' spaces, and uses it to influence her work. I enjoyed this premise, and the interwoven historical setting surrounding the Jack the Ripper murders and Cora's associated art exhibit, depicting the murdered women. Unfortunately, the Miles Vale story line was not compelling for me. He felt like "that guy" that everyone encounters in a Freshman philosophy class in college. It was hard for me to even entertain Cora's entering a relationship with him, since their first interactions already made me cringe. I did find the feminist storyline and Cora's self-exploration interesting and enjoyable to read. Overall, I enjoyed the premise of the book and much of the storyline was enjoyable, but Miles was so unlikeable that I had trouble getting through his sections.
The Betrayal of Cora Wexford begins with a darkly intriguing premise--a female artist who paints the dead for work. As we learn more about Cora, we see her keen powers of observation, as she recognizes symbolism in her subjects' spaces, and uses it to influence her work. I enjoyed this premise, and the interwoven historical setting surrounding the Jack the Ripper murders and Cora's associated art exhibit, depicting the murdered women. Unfortunately, the Miles Vale story line was not compelling for me. He felt like "that guy" that everyone encounters in a Freshman philosophy class in college. It was hard for me to even entertain Cora's entering a relationship with him, since their first interactions already made me cringe. I did find the feminist storyline and Cora's self-exploration interesting and enjoyable to read. Overall, I enjoyed the premise of the book and much of the storyline was enjoyable, but Miles was so unlikeable that I had trouble getting through his sections.
October 20, 2026
This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year and I'm so grateful to @simonbooks for sending me a gifted ARC copy. This was such an incredible debut of her writing in fiction form - I knew her writing would be incredible after reading her memoir of Dinner for Vampires, but I am truly blown away by this one.
The Betrayal of Cora Wexford is set in 1880s London. We follow Cora, who is a painter of the dead, as she becomes entangled with the charming Miles Vale while memorializing victims of the Whitechapel killer.
If you've read her memoir, you will notice a lot of parallels between Cora's experiences and some of Bethany's personal experiences. She does a wonderful job in writing about the way women can become vulnerable to manipulation & control. This book is also incredibly atmospheric which I truly love in a novel. You really feel like you can see the scenes in the book as she describes them, down to the outfits. This book was truly just all around incredible for a fiction debut and I hope Bethany continues to share these wonderful stories she creates in her mind. Truly lived up to my expectations and can safely say this was a favorite for me this year.
Again, a huge thank you to Simon & Schuster for sending me a copy of this one. The Betrayal of Cora Wexford is out today!
The Betrayal of Cora Wexford is set in 1880s London. We follow Cora, who is a painter of the dead, as she becomes entangled with the charming Miles Vale while memorializing victims of the Whitechapel killer.
If you've read her memoir, you will notice a lot of parallels between Cora's experiences and some of Bethany's personal experiences. She does a wonderful job in writing about the way women can become vulnerable to manipulation & control. This book is also incredibly atmospheric which I truly love in a novel. You really feel like you can see the scenes in the book as she describes them, down to the outfits. This book was truly just all around incredible for a fiction debut and I hope Bethany continues to share these wonderful stories she creates in her mind. Truly lived up to my expectations and can safely say this was a favorite for me this year.
Again, a huge thank you to Simon & Schuster for sending me a copy of this one. The Betrayal of Cora Wexford is out today!
August 19, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
The Betrayal of Cora Wexford really pulled me in from the start. Set in 1880s London, it follows Cora, an American artist who paints portraits of the dead and finds herself caught up in something much darker while working with victims connected to the Whitechapel murders.
What I found most interesting was Cora herself and how the story explores manipulation, trust, and how easily someone can slowly gain control over another person. Knowing some of Bethany Joy Lenz’s own story made that part feel even more meaningful.
I really enjoyed this one! The historical setting, mystery, and Cora’s story kept me interested throughout.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the early ARC!
The Betrayal of Cora Wexford really pulled me in from the start. Set in 1880s London, it follows Cora, an American artist who paints portraits of the dead and finds herself caught up in something much darker while working with victims connected to the Whitechapel murders.
What I found most interesting was Cora herself and how the story explores manipulation, trust, and how easily someone can slowly gain control over another person. Knowing some of Bethany Joy Lenz’s own story made that part feel even more meaningful.
I really enjoyed this one! The historical setting, mystery, and Cora’s story kept me interested throughout.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the early ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
All opinions are my own.
This book is set in London in 1888, but somehow contains SO MANY buzzwords and SO MUCH therapy talk that really it could be set on a bus in the middle of the desert in 2026 and still be the same story. Miles is a giant walking red flag and Cora is irritating. The book also couldn't decide if Dodo was a female or a male, as the poor dog had different genders at times. Skip this one.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster!
All opinions are my own.
This book is set in London in 1888, but somehow contains SO MANY buzzwords and SO MUCH therapy talk that really it could be set on a bus in the middle of the desert in 2026 and still be the same story. Miles is a giant walking red flag and Cora is irritating. The book also couldn't decide if Dodo was a female or a male, as the poor dog had different genders at times. Skip this one.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster!
October 16, 2026
First, thank you to NetGalley, Simon and Schuster, and Bethany Joy Lenz for the ARC!
This is normally outside of my realm of what I normally read but I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this. Theresa are things that fell flat for me but it I liked the concept of Cora and Miles’s story and how everything is not what it seems.
This is a debut worth reading but buckle up because it is a bumpy ride. (Also for swifties who love Patient Zero…this is for you)
I know she has a book out that’s a biography but she’s new in this genre of writing.
It is a very character driven book and every character had its time and place. I can tell that Lenz used some of her personal experiences for inspiration for the situations in this book, especially surrounding Miles. I do enjoy how we got to know Cora as time went on. We got to know her more and I feel like maybe I already had a preconceived notion about her because she is a lot like the author herself. And I still don’t know if that helps the case or not.
There are things that just didn’t make sense…the description said she had an exhibit and was painting oppressed women and then a serial killed basically starts killing just like the women in her paintings were killed…I was disappointed when that was not the case. Her paintings were inspired by the killings. And the only significant it had was for her art so I don’t know why so much time was spent on it and putting the news paper clippings in when that was not the central theme of this book like I thought it would be since it was listed as a psychological thriller and a historical peace. I was thinking Miles will be the killer the moment he was introduced but turns out the killings are not inspired by paintings but paintings of the killings.
It’s a period piece but the writing goes between modern and Victorian as well as the dialect which will bother many but it didn’t bother me as much. Made it a quicker read for me.
The plot was simple but the end felt rushed. And once I realized the book was not what it was described (and maybe I misunderstood) I understood what would happen.
The twists definitely keep you on the edge of a seat and this is a good book to start getting into this genre of romance…because it is romance heavy and the outcome of a one sided relationship with other subplots that make you think. I think what makes this a good start is because it’s a quick read as the language jumps back and worth and the plot and structure is easy to follow.
Overall, this felt more like a toxic historical romance rather than a thriller as the killings were never in the forefront and it was just an inspiration for the art. I do see how Lenz intertwined so much of her experience with narcissistic relationships and depicted SO well how a charming man can really win anyone over and make you feel like you’re the problem and everyone around him. I have to say it: HELLO PATIENT ZERO BY TAYLOR SWIFT!
Anyways, I’ve been wrestling with my rating and I’m going to land in the middle..3.5 stars!
This is normally outside of my realm of what I normally read but I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this. Theresa are things that fell flat for me but it I liked the concept of Cora and Miles’s story and how everything is not what it seems.
This is a debut worth reading but buckle up because it is a bumpy ride. (Also for swifties who love Patient Zero…this is for you)
I know she has a book out that’s a biography but she’s new in this genre of writing.
It is a very character driven book and every character had its time and place. I can tell that Lenz used some of her personal experiences for inspiration for the situations in this book, especially surrounding Miles. I do enjoy how we got to know Cora as time went on. We got to know her more and I feel like maybe I already had a preconceived notion about her because she is a lot like the author herself. And I still don’t know if that helps the case or not.
There are things that just didn’t make sense…the description said she had an exhibit and was painting oppressed women and then a serial killed basically starts killing just like the women in her paintings were killed…I was disappointed when that was not the case. Her paintings were inspired by the killings. And the only significant it had was for her art so I don’t know why so much time was spent on it and putting the news paper clippings in when that was not the central theme of this book like I thought it would be since it was listed as a psychological thriller and a historical peace. I was thinking Miles will be the killer the moment he was introduced but turns out the killings are not inspired by paintings but paintings of the killings.
It’s a period piece but the writing goes between modern and Victorian as well as the dialect which will bother many but it didn’t bother me as much. Made it a quicker read for me.
The plot was simple but the end felt rushed. And once I realized the book was not what it was described (and maybe I misunderstood) I understood what would happen.
The twists definitely keep you on the edge of a seat and this is a good book to start getting into this genre of romance…because it is romance heavy and the outcome of a one sided relationship with other subplots that make you think. I think what makes this a good start is because it’s a quick read as the language jumps back and worth and the plot and structure is easy to follow.
Overall, this felt more like a toxic historical romance rather than a thriller as the killings were never in the forefront and it was just an inspiration for the art. I do see how Lenz intertwined so much of her experience with narcissistic relationships and depicted SO well how a charming man can really win anyone over and make you feel like you’re the problem and everyone around him. I have to say it: HELLO PATIENT ZERO BY TAYLOR SWIFT!
Anyways, I’ve been wrestling with my rating and I’m going to land in the middle..3.5 stars!
October 23, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for this advance readers copy, in exchange for an honest review. The Betrayal of Cora Wexford is marketed as a psychological thriller type book, set in London and following the main character, Cora, as she becomes involved with a mysterious, enigmatic man named Miles— all around the time of the Jack the Ripper murders. Cora is a postmortem portraiture artist and throughout the book, she uses her craft to bring light to the women who were savagely murdered during this time.
I loved the concept of the story and appreciated the message that the book was going for. However, sadly, the execution fell extremely short for me. This book is supposed to take place in the 1880’s but, there were so many anachronisms in the story and Cora felt way too modern to believably exist in this time. I can understand the author choosing not to write in a Victorian English style of language but, the phrases (“Golden hour” mentioned??) and actual character of Cora and her friends was not plausible at all. I’m not trying to be a hater but, I just couldn’t get over this.
Also, in the exploration of Cora’s relationship with Miles, I can understand what the author was going for; using the fraught, emotionally heightened environment and societal norms to parallel and reinforce the lack of justice afforded to a woman suffering at the hands of an abusive man. However, I don’t think 19th century London was the right setting for this story; this type of behavior was very commonly accepted at the time and Cora’s actions were not reflective of the majority of women at the time. There were also way too emotionally intelligent, therapy style conversations between Cora and Miles that I struggle to think believable in a modern setting, let alone one a hundred plus years ago.
Ultimately, I think the author’s work had great promise and I’d be interested to see what she comes out with next. However, this story was not for me. I would recommend this story if the premise sounds interesting and as a quick read; if you can buy into the story past what I have mentioned above, it would be a fun easy read.
I loved the concept of the story and appreciated the message that the book was going for. However, sadly, the execution fell extremely short for me. This book is supposed to take place in the 1880’s but, there were so many anachronisms in the story and Cora felt way too modern to believably exist in this time. I can understand the author choosing not to write in a Victorian English style of language but, the phrases (“Golden hour” mentioned??) and actual character of Cora and her friends was not plausible at all. I’m not trying to be a hater but, I just couldn’t get over this.
Also, in the exploration of Cora’s relationship with Miles, I can understand what the author was going for; using the fraught, emotionally heightened environment and societal norms to parallel and reinforce the lack of justice afforded to a woman suffering at the hands of an abusive man. However, I don’t think 19th century London was the right setting for this story; this type of behavior was very commonly accepted at the time and Cora’s actions were not reflective of the majority of women at the time. There were also way too emotionally intelligent, therapy style conversations between Cora and Miles that I struggle to think believable in a modern setting, let alone one a hundred plus years ago.
Ultimately, I think the author’s work had great promise and I’d be interested to see what she comes out with next. However, this story was not for me. I would recommend this story if the premise sounds interesting and as a quick read; if you can buy into the story past what I have mentioned above, it would be a fun easy read.
October 20, 2026
In the late 1800s, Cora Wexford moved to London after her divorce to start over, and she now works as a post-mortem painter, capturing the deceased’s lives in canvas. At the start of the book, Cora is swept off her feet by the charming Miles Vale at her 38th birthday party. During their whirlwind courtship, we also have the Whitechapel murders happening in the backdrop.
I have a lot of thoughts on this one. Most of them are positive. This novel took me a long time to become invested in it, to be perfectly honest. The writing style is a little bit choppy and it very much sounds like reading someone’s diary or journal entries. There’s a lot of telling. While this perplexed me at first, I think the reasoning behind it was to develop Wexford as a character and give a look inside her mind.
A great deal of the book is about manipulation, gaslighting, and other forms of emotional abuse. Cora questions her own reality as she spends more and more time with Mr. Vale, and the book does a fantastic job making the reader question why Cora does what she does, while also explaining the reality behind manipulation and why people don’t believe women. At first I was frustrated with Cora and her decisions, but as we approached the second half of the book, I realized that Lenz is trying to explain to us how easy it is to blame the woman rather than understanding her as a victim.
I’m going to be doing a lot of contemplation and reflection on The Betrayal of Cora Wexford. The historical fiction aspect in Victorian London was a lot of fun, and I’m fascinated by the Whitechapel Murders, so there were a lot of pieces explored aside from just Cora and Miles that made this one worth reading. It took a bit to grow on me, but it’s going to stick with me for a while, I think.
I have a lot of thoughts on this one. Most of them are positive. This novel took me a long time to become invested in it, to be perfectly honest. The writing style is a little bit choppy and it very much sounds like reading someone’s diary or journal entries. There’s a lot of telling. While this perplexed me at first, I think the reasoning behind it was to develop Wexford as a character and give a look inside her mind.
A great deal of the book is about manipulation, gaslighting, and other forms of emotional abuse. Cora questions her own reality as she spends more and more time with Mr. Vale, and the book does a fantastic job making the reader question why Cora does what she does, while also explaining the reality behind manipulation and why people don’t believe women. At first I was frustrated with Cora and her decisions, but as we approached the second half of the book, I realized that Lenz is trying to explain to us how easy it is to blame the woman rather than understanding her as a victim.
I’m going to be doing a lot of contemplation and reflection on The Betrayal of Cora Wexford. The historical fiction aspect in Victorian London was a lot of fun, and I’m fascinated by the Whitechapel Murders, so there were a lot of pieces explored aside from just Cora and Miles that made this one worth reading. It took a bit to grow on me, but it’s going to stick with me for a while, I think.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Cora is a 38 year old American artist living in London. Having stepped out of the shadow of a past marriage, she is finally coming out of her shell and stepping into her true self. Cora possesses a rare, haunting talent when she paints. She sees the souls of those who have passed. She reads them like a book finding hidden truths of her subjects and weaves those intimate details directly onto the canvas. With the gentle support of her friend Odette, Cora’s effortless artistic flair truly shines.
Enter Miles Vale. On the surface, he’s charming and beloved by everyone, but underneath something just isn't adding up. Cora is left constantly guessing if he’s being real or just putting on an act as they enter into a relationship.
Set against a dark atmosphere intertwined with the history of Jack the Ripper, the plot keeps you turning pages in a desperate rush to see what happens next.
My thoughts:
The Betrayal of Cora Wexford is a dark, and utterly consuming read that I simply couldn’t put down.
What made this story stand out so deeply was realizing how much of Bethany’s own lived experience was within the pages. Her memoir Dinner For Vampires felt infused in the narrative. The intention, care, and truth woven into every layer, elevating the entire reading experience.
The writing has a pull to it that makes you feel completely immersed in the world like you’re right there within the pages. If you’re looking to step into something a bit darker with a rich, atmospheric historical setting, this is it!
*My copy of The Betrayal of Cora Wexford was provided by @netgalley and @simonbooks for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Enter Miles Vale. On the surface, he’s charming and beloved by everyone, but underneath something just isn't adding up. Cora is left constantly guessing if he’s being real or just putting on an act as they enter into a relationship.
Set against a dark atmosphere intertwined with the history of Jack the Ripper, the plot keeps you turning pages in a desperate rush to see what happens next.
My thoughts:
The Betrayal of Cora Wexford is a dark, and utterly consuming read that I simply couldn’t put down.
What made this story stand out so deeply was realizing how much of Bethany’s own lived experience was within the pages. Her memoir Dinner For Vampires felt infused in the narrative. The intention, care, and truth woven into every layer, elevating the entire reading experience.
The writing has a pull to it that makes you feel completely immersed in the world like you’re right there within the pages. If you’re looking to step into something a bit darker with a rich, atmospheric historical setting, this is it!
*My copy of The Betrayal of Cora Wexford was provided by @netgalley and @simonbooks for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 19, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for an ARC of this book!
Wow, the way Bethany Joy Lenz writes her characters is so interesting. The intellectual nature of her story telling really conveys her ability to transport the reader.
Cora Wexford was a multifaceted character. She had walked a tough path throughout her 38 years and had a beautiful hidden talent waiting to be shared with the world. The way Bethany Joy Lenz wrote about illustrating and completing a piece of art would make you believe she has an art degree herself. The melodic way she wrote Cora’s process was so alluring and really captured me. Much like her ability to write locations and feelings of sceneries.
I read Dinner for Vampires by Lenz last year and what an incredible story of forgiveness, manipulation, financial abuse, and how to overcome these struggles. I felt that Lenz wrote many of those personal experiences into these characters. As devasted as I felt for Cora and the side characters through this story, I felt on the edge of my seat with where this story was going. It is labeled as a historical fiction but I think it was so much more than that. I loved the century this was placed in as well as the authentic article clippings that Lenz had at the end of each chapter relating to Cora’s newest piece she was commissioned to create. I would’ve loved to have seen what Cora’s style would’ve looked like with how gruesome and horrific some of these acts were.
The creativity Lenz showcased in her wheelhouse of storytelling as well as showing us what true forgiveness can look like was brilliant. I have been hoping to read this book for a while, and I am so glad I got the opportunity to read such a fascinating story. I look forward to reading more from this author!
Wow, the way Bethany Joy Lenz writes her characters is so interesting. The intellectual nature of her story telling really conveys her ability to transport the reader.
Cora Wexford was a multifaceted character. She had walked a tough path throughout her 38 years and had a beautiful hidden talent waiting to be shared with the world. The way Bethany Joy Lenz wrote about illustrating and completing a piece of art would make you believe she has an art degree herself. The melodic way she wrote Cora’s process was so alluring and really captured me. Much like her ability to write locations and feelings of sceneries.
I read Dinner for Vampires by Lenz last year and what an incredible story of forgiveness, manipulation, financial abuse, and how to overcome these struggles. I felt that Lenz wrote many of those personal experiences into these characters. As devasted as I felt for Cora and the side characters through this story, I felt on the edge of my seat with where this story was going. It is labeled as a historical fiction but I think it was so much more than that. I loved the century this was placed in as well as the authentic article clippings that Lenz had at the end of each chapter relating to Cora’s newest piece she was commissioned to create. I would’ve loved to have seen what Cora’s style would’ve looked like with how gruesome and horrific some of these acts were.
The creativity Lenz showcased in her wheelhouse of storytelling as well as showing us what true forgiveness can look like was brilliant. I have been hoping to read this book for a while, and I am so glad I got the opportunity to read such a fascinating story. I look forward to reading more from this author!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Fans of historical fiction and psychological thrillers: prepare to devour this novel! It's the 1880s and thirty-eight year old American ex-pat Cora Wexford is happily settled in London after divorcing her husband in the US. She's an artist who makes a living by painting portraits of the dead and adores her 15 year-old apprentice, Odette. When she meets a charming stranger, Miles Vale, at her birthday party, she feels as though she may finally get to settle down and start a family.
Shortly after meeting Miles, she receives more good news: a feminist advocate and an art gallery owner want to commission Cora to paint portraits of women deemed less important by society, women who are victims of Jack the Ripper. Her paintings will then be exhibited in Paris and London. Cora, a strong woman and feminist herself, who has always quietly advocated for women's rights through her paintings of the dead, doesn't hesitate to accept this opportunity.
However, things with Miles become confusing as he involves her in a psychological game of gaslighting which leaves Cora's head spinning and leaves her doubting and second guessing herself for the first time in her life.
The Betrayal of Cora Wexford is a slow burn masterpiece of historical psychological terror. The villain is excellently written and developed in such a way that he truly gets under the skin of the reader and becomes very uncomfortable to read about. This is the perfect read for the Halloween season.
Shortly after meeting Miles, she receives more good news: a feminist advocate and an art gallery owner want to commission Cora to paint portraits of women deemed less important by society, women who are victims of Jack the Ripper. Her paintings will then be exhibited in Paris and London. Cora, a strong woman and feminist herself, who has always quietly advocated for women's rights through her paintings of the dead, doesn't hesitate to accept this opportunity.
However, things with Miles become confusing as he involves her in a psychological game of gaslighting which leaves Cora's head spinning and leaves her doubting and second guessing herself for the first time in her life.
The Betrayal of Cora Wexford is a slow burn masterpiece of historical psychological terror. The villain is excellently written and developed in such a way that he truly gets under the skin of the reader and becomes very uncomfortable to read about. This is the perfect read for the Halloween season.
October 20, 2026
As an elder millennial and longtime fan of Bethany Joy Lenz, I was excited to see what she could do as a novelist. Having read her memoir, I knew she had a good writing “voice” and was interested to see how that would translate to fiction. Overall I felt it was a success.
Cora was a fascinating character. She was layered and complex with a tragic history, and she was doing her best to create a new life for herself. As an artist and American transplant in London, Cora was a unique fixture in the social circle she landed in — accepted and embraced, but always a bit isolated to me. It left her susceptible to a man like Miles and others’ opinions of him influencing her own instincts.
Miles was, categorically, The Worst. Narcissistic, an elite gaslighter, and unbelievably manipulative. The story painted an infuriating picture of what life with a man like that looks like, and how they can fool everyone around them even when their red flags look like neon signs to complete outsiders. I was actively hoping for his downfall.
As for the setting and era for this story, that’s where it lost me a bit. It honestly felt like modern day rather than the late 1800s, and the Ripper murders didn’t really impact the narrative in a way I expected with them called out specifically in the synopsis. This could’ve been set in any time, any major city, with any active serial killer in the background and not changed the overall story.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster for the eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Cora was a fascinating character. She was layered and complex with a tragic history, and she was doing her best to create a new life for herself. As an artist and American transplant in London, Cora was a unique fixture in the social circle she landed in — accepted and embraced, but always a bit isolated to me. It left her susceptible to a man like Miles and others’ opinions of him influencing her own instincts.
Miles was, categorically, The Worst. Narcissistic, an elite gaslighter, and unbelievably manipulative. The story painted an infuriating picture of what life with a man like that looks like, and how they can fool everyone around them even when their red flags look like neon signs to complete outsiders. I was actively hoping for his downfall.
As for the setting and era for this story, that’s where it lost me a bit. It honestly felt like modern day rather than the late 1800s, and the Ripper murders didn’t really impact the narrative in a way I expected with them called out specifically in the synopsis. This could’ve been set in any time, any major city, with any active serial killer in the background and not changed the overall story.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster for the eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What an incredible fiction debut by Bethany Joy Lenz! I was so captivated by Cora Wexford from the first few pages to the last that I had a very hard time putting this book down!
Set in 1880s London, the story follows Cora Wexford, an elegant, intriguing painter with a mindset far ahead of her time. She is commissioned to paint portraits of the victims of Jack the Ripper, and is deeply troubled by how these women are perceived as somehow "less than" by society. Cora becomes determined to honor their humanity and dignity through her art.
Meanwhile, she meets Miles Vale, a seemingly kind and devoted man who promises her love and companionship. As their relationship unfolds, Cora is forced to confront difficult truths while also reckoning with her own grief and sorrowful past.
I really liked Cora as a character and was completely invested in her story. I appreciated how Lenz included themes of grief, societal expectations, and the treatment of women in Victorian England. The historical setting was perfectly fall-like and moody.
Fans of both psychological suspense and historical fiction will enjoy this book!
Thank you to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for the advance copy of The Betrayal of Cora Wexford in exchange for an honest review.
Set in 1880s London, the story follows Cora Wexford, an elegant, intriguing painter with a mindset far ahead of her time. She is commissioned to paint portraits of the victims of Jack the Ripper, and is deeply troubled by how these women are perceived as somehow "less than" by society. Cora becomes determined to honor their humanity and dignity through her art.
Meanwhile, she meets Miles Vale, a seemingly kind and devoted man who promises her love and companionship. As their relationship unfolds, Cora is forced to confront difficult truths while also reckoning with her own grief and sorrowful past.
I really liked Cora as a character and was completely invested in her story. I appreciated how Lenz included themes of grief, societal expectations, and the treatment of women in Victorian England. The historical setting was perfectly fall-like and moody.
Fans of both psychological suspense and historical fiction will enjoy this book!
Thank you to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for the advance copy of The Betrayal of Cora Wexford in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I went into the book blind - I just liked Dinner with Vampires and wanted to support this foray into fiction and man was this book a fun ride. This book dives into a relationship between Myles and Cora and digs into something deeper and more toxic than Cora expected. After reading Dinner for Vampires, you can easily see that a lot of these conversations likely come from someone with deep knowledge of toxic relationships and the fall outs from them.
This book also kind of felt like a book where if Elizabeth married Mr. Wickham in Pride and Prejudice, where as the reader we can see the warning signs earlier, but Cora has deep rooted trust issues and makes her a bit blind to her own instincts. I am having to sit on the Jack the Ripper storyline built within the books as the newspaper clippings are all real, and I like the author's twist on maybe the Jack the Ripper wasn't quite one serial killer but instead many men taking their anger out on the women in their lives - but that is just my interpretation of the Jack the Ripper addition to the story.
I enjoyed this book and as the tension between Myles and Cora ramped up this book became impossible to put down no matter how late in the night it was for me!
This book also kind of felt like a book where if Elizabeth married Mr. Wickham in Pride and Prejudice, where as the reader we can see the warning signs earlier, but Cora has deep rooted trust issues and makes her a bit blind to her own instincts. I am having to sit on the Jack the Ripper storyline built within the books as the newspaper clippings are all real, and I like the author's twist on maybe the Jack the Ripper wasn't quite one serial killer but instead many men taking their anger out on the women in their lives - but that is just my interpretation of the Jack the Ripper addition to the story.
I enjoyed this book and as the tension between Myles and Cora ramped up this book became impossible to put down no matter how late in the night it was for me!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley for an E-ARC of this amazing debut novel!
As a Bethany Joy-Lenz fan and someone who greatly enjoyed her memoir (Dinner with Vampires), I was both extremely excited and a bit nervous about reading her first work of fiction. It did NOT disappoint!
I am a historical fiction lover in general, so the synopsis of this had me hooked immediately! I noticed a few parallels between Cora’s story and Bethany’s memoir, such as themes of intelligent women falling victim to psychological manipulation.
Set in the 1800s in London, the story follows Cora who has made a career out of post-mortem paintings, emphasizing who the person was and reflecting their personality before they passed away. I thought the addition of the Jack-the-Ripper element definitely added to the story without being a main focus. The storyline between Cora and Miles was all too relatable for anyone who has been in or witnessed a manipulative relationship.
Overall, without giving away too much, I really enjoyed this and hope to see more fiction work from Bethany Joy in the future!
As a Bethany Joy-Lenz fan and someone who greatly enjoyed her memoir (Dinner with Vampires), I was both extremely excited and a bit nervous about reading her first work of fiction. It did NOT disappoint!
I am a historical fiction lover in general, so the synopsis of this had me hooked immediately! I noticed a few parallels between Cora’s story and Bethany’s memoir, such as themes of intelligent women falling victim to psychological manipulation.
Set in the 1800s in London, the story follows Cora who has made a career out of post-mortem paintings, emphasizing who the person was and reflecting their personality before they passed away. I thought the addition of the Jack-the-Ripper element definitely added to the story without being a main focus. The storyline between Cora and Miles was all too relatable for anyone who has been in or witnessed a manipulative relationship.
Overall, without giving away too much, I really enjoyed this and hope to see more fiction work from Bethany Joy in the future!
September 25, 2026
I couldn’t put this down! I had to keep reading to see what was going to happen next.
The premise of the book piqued my interest, and I found Bethany Joy Lenz’s memoir a real page turner as well. I was eager to read her fiction debut and I was not disappointed.
Following Cora’s journey, both through her artistic pursuits and through her desperation to make an unhealthy relationship work, was a real journey. The intermingling with the history of Jack the Ripper was so well done.
Highly recommend to those who want to step into something a little darker and who can tolerate being frustrated by toxicity.
Many thanks to Simon & Schuster and Netgalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
The premise of the book piqued my interest, and I found Bethany Joy Lenz’s memoir a real page turner as well. I was eager to read her fiction debut and I was not disappointed.
Following Cora’s journey, both through her artistic pursuits and through her desperation to make an unhealthy relationship work, was a real journey. The intermingling with the history of Jack the Ripper was so well done.
Highly recommend to those who want to step into something a little darker and who can tolerate being frustrated by toxicity.
Many thanks to Simon & Schuster and Netgalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
October 20, 2026
Bethany Joy Lenz did such a beautiful job with this one. The story is so frustrating but in the best way.
October 24, 2026
I thought this would have more thriller elements in it but it’s mostly a romance type story. Still entertaining though.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to the publisher for an advance copy of this book.
I was drawn in from the first page, and the novel's pacing kept me engaged during the first third of the book. The concept of this story taking place during the time of Jack the Ripper in London added to the initial suspense. I appreciate Lenz building her story around actual newspaper accounts of the murder victims found in the Whitechapel area of London.
However, don't mistake this for historical fiction. It is a novel that uses a historical setting as a background, about a woman who seeks empowerment using twenty-first-century verbiage. All the novel's careless anachronisms kept pulling me out of the plot and annoyed me to no end: "holding space for...," "your reality must be validated...," "Come and get your kicks..." "It takes two to tango...," "cortisol shot through my body...," "make that make sense to me..."
One of my biggest pet peeves is sloppy historical fiction. This novel kept me engaged, but I didn't learn anything of value (which is what I look for in historical fiction). One could set this story in our modern day, and it would make more sense. Would I recommend this book? Yes, to readers who want a page-turner, aren't bothered by gaslighting relationships, and aren't fussy about historical accuracy.
I was drawn in from the first page, and the novel's pacing kept me engaged during the first third of the book. The concept of this story taking place during the time of Jack the Ripper in London added to the initial suspense. I appreciate Lenz building her story around actual newspaper accounts of the murder victims found in the Whitechapel area of London.
However, don't mistake this for historical fiction. It is a novel that uses a historical setting as a background, about a woman who seeks empowerment using twenty-first-century verbiage. All the novel's careless anachronisms kept pulling me out of the plot and annoyed me to no end: "holding space for...," "your reality must be validated...," "Come and get your kicks..." "It takes two to tango...," "cortisol shot through my body...," "make that make sense to me..."
One of my biggest pet peeves is sloppy historical fiction. This novel kept me engaged, but I didn't learn anything of value (which is what I look for in historical fiction). One could set this story in our modern day, and it would make more sense. Would I recommend this book? Yes, to readers who want a page-turner, aren't bothered by gaslighting relationships, and aren't fussy about historical accuracy.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I've followed Bethany Joy Lenz since her early acting days—back to her soap opera years—so I was really excited to read The Betrayal of Cora Wexford. I was pleasantly surprised by the psychological depth she brought to the story. It's dark and unsettling, focusing more on the dangers inside a relationship than on the serial killer roaming Victorian London.
Cora Wexford is an American artist who has made a unique career painting portraits of the dead—not as they looked after passing, but as they were in life, giving families something beautiful to remember. When she is asked to paint portraits of ordinary women whose deaths have mostly been ignored, her work becomes tied to the fear surrounding Jack the Ripper. I really enjoyed this part of the story. The history of London, especially how women were treated, was fascinating. The book takes a modern view on women's rights, but I thought it fit well with the story Lenz wanted to tell.
What stood out most to me was Cora's relationship with the charming Miles Vale. I'm always interested in the psychology of toxic relationships, and Lenz really understands how manipulation works and the harm it causes. Seeing Miles slowly take control over Cora was the most powerful part of the book for me. It's not always clear or dramatic—sometimes it's just a small comment, a quiet change in responsibility, or a moment that makes Cora doubt herself. Those small moments build up over time.
Cora was a really interesting character, though sometimes I wanted to shake some sense into her! She has trust issues from her past, but those same issues sometimes keep her from trusting her own instincts. It's a contradiction that makes sense. When someone learns not to trust their own judgment, it's even harder to spot manipulation. I understood why she made some choices, even when I wished she would do something else.
I liked the Jack the Ripper storyline too, but I was even more drawn to the psychological suspense between Cora and Miles. The historical murders set an eerie background, but the quieter, personal threat was what really affected me. It's especially unsettling to see someone slowly lose trust in their own perceptions.
I also really liked the feminist themes. The women in this story are complex, imperfect, and often held back by expectations that give them little control over their lives. The idea of taking back your voice, especially after someone has tried to make you doubt it, was very powerful. I appreciated how the story looks at the people and systems that let mistreatment continue.
For me, The Betrayal of Cora Wexford is at its best as a psychological study inside a historical thriller. If you're mainly looking for a Jack the Ripper mystery, that part isn't the main focus. But if you like complex female characters, unsettling relationship dynamics, feminist themes, and historical settings with a modern touch, you'll find a lot to enjoy here.
🌸 Floral Verdict: A Peony
This book is beautifully layered and psychologically unsettling, but it might not be for everyone. It's a darker, relationship-focused story that asks you to look past the obvious villains and think about those who hide behind charm and affection.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster for the free book!
Cora Wexford is an American artist who has made a unique career painting portraits of the dead—not as they looked after passing, but as they were in life, giving families something beautiful to remember. When she is asked to paint portraits of ordinary women whose deaths have mostly been ignored, her work becomes tied to the fear surrounding Jack the Ripper. I really enjoyed this part of the story. The history of London, especially how women were treated, was fascinating. The book takes a modern view on women's rights, but I thought it fit well with the story Lenz wanted to tell.
What stood out most to me was Cora's relationship with the charming Miles Vale. I'm always interested in the psychology of toxic relationships, and Lenz really understands how manipulation works and the harm it causes. Seeing Miles slowly take control over Cora was the most powerful part of the book for me. It's not always clear or dramatic—sometimes it's just a small comment, a quiet change in responsibility, or a moment that makes Cora doubt herself. Those small moments build up over time.
Cora was a really interesting character, though sometimes I wanted to shake some sense into her! She has trust issues from her past, but those same issues sometimes keep her from trusting her own instincts. It's a contradiction that makes sense. When someone learns not to trust their own judgment, it's even harder to spot manipulation. I understood why she made some choices, even when I wished she would do something else.
I liked the Jack the Ripper storyline too, but I was even more drawn to the psychological suspense between Cora and Miles. The historical murders set an eerie background, but the quieter, personal threat was what really affected me. It's especially unsettling to see someone slowly lose trust in their own perceptions.
I also really liked the feminist themes. The women in this story are complex, imperfect, and often held back by expectations that give them little control over their lives. The idea of taking back your voice, especially after someone has tried to make you doubt it, was very powerful. I appreciated how the story looks at the people and systems that let mistreatment continue.
For me, The Betrayal of Cora Wexford is at its best as a psychological study inside a historical thriller. If you're mainly looking for a Jack the Ripper mystery, that part isn't the main focus. But if you like complex female characters, unsettling relationship dynamics, feminist themes, and historical settings with a modern touch, you'll find a lot to enjoy here.
🌸 Floral Verdict: A Peony
This book is beautifully layered and psychologically unsettling, but it might not be for everyone. It's a darker, relationship-focused story that asks you to look past the obvious villains and think about those who hide behind charm and affection.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster for the free book!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was invited to read an e-galley of this title after having greatly enjoyed Lenz’s memoir Dinner for Vampires. The premise sounded unique and intriguing, and the novel lived up to that expectation.
Cora Wexford is a portrait artist who is offered the opportunity to paint a series of portraits featuring “invisible women” whose lives had been destroyed by oppressive societal systems. At the same time, in her personal life, she meets an intriguing man named Miles Vale who romantically pursues her; however, as time goes on, Cora begins to question his authenticity as he seems to force her into “invisibility” herself.
The book captured my attention from the beginning and held it throughout—I flew through in just a few days (funny enough, I read this book two years to the exact days after reading Dinner for Vampires). I felt that the prose was well-written and the main characters well-developed. It was kind of a combination between historical fiction and psychological suspense, and I thought it was very interesting how Jack the Ripper’s murders were woven into the story through Cora’s paintings. Lenz is clearly very insightful and a deep thinker, and I feel like I could also see how her own life experiences, as written about in her memoir, could have informed aspects of this novel.
My two critiques would be as follows:
1. The social commentary was a bit heavy-handed at times. It felt pretty anti-men—there was only one male character who was written in a positive light, and men were solely blamed for the oppressive systems that harmed women. There were also a couple of negative comments made about religion.
2. Spoiler warning for this point: I think that the story would have been more effective had Miles not been portrayed as suspicious from the start. Cora’s inner monologue describes significant hesitations with Miles pretty much from the beginning, so as a reader, it drove me crazy that she kept making excuses for continuing a relationship with him. I never saw the appeal to him because he came across way too strong, and he always seemed suspicious. I suppose that was probably the point, that Cora doubted herself and neglected her intuition, but Miles made me cringe every time he appeared on the page, so it was difficult for me to understand what she saw in him.
Content considerations: some language (including use of the f-word), descriptions of brutality regarding the murder victims, mention of abortion, rape
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for an advanced copy! Opinions are all my own.
Cora Wexford is a portrait artist who is offered the opportunity to paint a series of portraits featuring “invisible women” whose lives had been destroyed by oppressive societal systems. At the same time, in her personal life, she meets an intriguing man named Miles Vale who romantically pursues her; however, as time goes on, Cora begins to question his authenticity as he seems to force her into “invisibility” herself.
The book captured my attention from the beginning and held it throughout—I flew through in just a few days (funny enough, I read this book two years to the exact days after reading Dinner for Vampires). I felt that the prose was well-written and the main characters well-developed. It was kind of a combination between historical fiction and psychological suspense, and I thought it was very interesting how Jack the Ripper’s murders were woven into the story through Cora’s paintings. Lenz is clearly very insightful and a deep thinker, and I feel like I could also see how her own life experiences, as written about in her memoir, could have informed aspects of this novel.
My two critiques would be as follows:
1. The social commentary was a bit heavy-handed at times. It felt pretty anti-men—there was only one male character who was written in a positive light, and men were solely blamed for the oppressive systems that harmed women. There were also a couple of negative comments made about religion.
2. Spoiler warning for this point: I think that the story would have been more effective had Miles not been portrayed as suspicious from the start. Cora’s inner monologue describes significant hesitations with Miles pretty much from the beginning, so as a reader, it drove me crazy that she kept making excuses for continuing a relationship with him. I never saw the appeal to him because he came across way too strong, and he always seemed suspicious. I suppose that was probably the point, that Cora doubted herself and neglected her intuition, but Miles made me cringe every time he appeared on the page, so it was difficult for me to understand what she saw in him.
Content considerations: some language (including use of the f-word), descriptions of brutality regarding the murder victims, mention of abortion, rape
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for an advanced copy! Opinions are all my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews