All Her Beautiful Deaths

by A. Rushby

London, 1865. Desperate for work, Minnie takes employment as a maid for the wealthy Culpepper twins. The siblings lead a strange and unconventional Edmund operates a laboratory from the house while Edith experiments with morbid photography. Drawn in by a dangerous attraction to one of the twins, and with a sick sister of her own to provide for, by the time Minnie makes a disturbing discovery it's too late – she must stay and unravel the mysteries of Culpepper House before she becomes a victim of one of Edith's photographs herself.

London, present day. Grieving artist Hadley is consumed by an album of Victorian death photography, including the exquisite image of a deceased young girl with a swan. When this photograph is involved in an art world scandal, Hadley is given the opportunity to create an installation surrounding the image. But the enigmatic Kit Culpepper, of the Culpepper Trust, has other plans. He offers Hadley an eye-watering sum of money to sell him the album and never speak of its contents again. As Hadley digs deeper into the album's truths, she begins to suspect Kit Culpepper is guarding a deathly secret... and she's not entirely sure how far he'll go to keep it.

A gripping dual-timeline gothic mystery inspired by the macabre world of Victorian death photography, All Her Beautiful Deaths offers a powerful exploration of classism and ownership in the art world, while beautifully portraying expressions of grief and love. Perfect for fans of Fingersmith by Sarah Waters and The Burial Plot by Elizabeth Macneal, with echoes of Daphne du Maurier.

Genres: Gothic, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Horror, Historical, Lesbian

417 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication September 1, 2026

About the author

A. Rushby (also writing as Allison Rushby), was gifted the middle name of Jane, for Jane Austen. Wordsmithing was duly destined and, under several pseudonyms, she has published more than thirty books. She has long been a fan of cities steeped in history, wild, overgrown cemeteries, red brick Victorian museums, the curious and the uncanny. She prefers to write with a cup of French Earl Grey tea by her side and a cat curled up in her lap.

Reviews

[Kristina Pauls (ARC Reviewer) · Rating 5 out of 5]

All Her Beautiful Deaths by A. Rushby ★★★★★

PUBLISH DATE: September 22, 2026

I stepped slightly outside my usual genre for this gothic historical fiction novel, and I didn’t know what to expect. This book completely pulled me in from the beginning. The Victorian memorial photography immediately caught my attention, and I was fascinated by the mystery surrounding the photographs, the Culpepper family, and what was really happening.

For a good portion of the book, I wasn’t sure who I could trust. I changed my mind more than once. Just when I thought I had figured things out, another piece of the puzzle would fall into place and make me question everything again.

What I loved most was that this book felt gothic without feeling dark or hopeless. There are cemeteries, memorial photography, family secrets, visions, and plenty of mystery, but underneath all of that is a story about love, sacrifice, second chances, and the courage to do what is right.

The art and photography throughout the story were incredible. Many of the ideas and projects described in this book were things I never would have thought of myself, and they added so much depth to the story. The dual timelines worked really well for me too. I found myself invested in both Minnie and Hadley’s stories and eager to get back to each of them whenever the chapters switched.

There was a point toward the end where I wasn’t entirely sure how I was going to feel about the direction things were taking. I worried the story might become much darker than I wanted it to. Thankfully, it didn’t. Instead, the author brought everything together in a way that felt satisfying and complete.

One of my favorite things about this book was the ending. The mysteries are answered, the loose ends are tied up, and I finished the book feeling happy and satisfied. Looking back, so many clues were there from the beginning.

If you enjoy gothic historical fiction, dual timelines, family secrets, mysterious photographs, and stories that balance mystery with heart, I highly recommend this one.

Content Warnings: Death, grief, child loss, illness, memorial/postmortem photography, and discussions of death. Readers should also know the novel includes same-sex relationships. Because of the historical setting, these relationships are portrayed primarily through emotional connection, affection, longing, and devotion rather than explicit scenes. There are no graphic intimate scenes on page.

PUBLISH DATE: September 22, 2026
BOOK TITLE: All Her Beautiful Deaths
AUTHOR: A. Rushby (Allison Rushby)
PUBLISHER: Berkley Publishing Group
FORMAT: Ebook
PAGES: 464

I received a complimentary digital ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) of this book via NetGalley. Thank you to the publisher and author for the opportunity to read and review this title prior to publication. As always, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Leonie · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25 (4.25 stars)


To be honest, this story completely exceeded my expectations!
But let’s start at the beginning, I chose this because I was fascinated by the synopsis and I thought the cover was absolutely stunning (yeah, I’m this type of person who judges books by its covers sometimes) and as soon as I started reading it, I was hooked. The story was soo well written and constructed so interestingly with the dual timeline and narrative that one didn’t want to put the book away even for just a minute.
I have to admit, that I liked Edith and Minnie’s timeline more than Hadley’s but that’s mostly because I feel always more drawn to sapphic characters and especially given the fact that Edith and Minnie’s timeline plays in 1865, I was just overall soo interested in knowing more about death photography and the Culpepper household from that era. That said, I still liked Hadley’s timeline too, I loved how mysterious it was written and how - as a reader - one kept guessing too who could be the ‘bad’ guy and if Kit is actually good or bad or both?
Moreover, I really adored how the timelines somewhat intersected and how we got to see Minnie’s timeline as soon as Hadley - more or less - found something important out about the family. And I also really liked how the story still had a romance in each timeline as well as the fact that it included sapphic as well as gay characters (William and Edmund have also part of my heart now).
Nevertheless, I also have a few things that I didn’t like so much, though that said, I want to highlight that I’m being picky about it because I did like the book sooo much. I would’ve loved to see even more of Minnie’s timeline especially after Hadley found out the truth. I don’t wanna spoil so I cannot name what exactly but generally, I would’ve loved to see even more.
Overall though, it was a really great and super interesting read. One that I will definitely cherish for a long while to come and also one that I will buy as a physical copy 🙈.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest and voluntarily given review.

[Nenia Campbell]

OH MY GOD HOW DO I GET A COPY

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you A. Rushby and NetGalley for my e-ARC

Two women, separated by decades, connected by an eerie album of photographs of the dead.

In 1865 London, Minnie uncovers secrets while working as a maid for the odd Culpepper twins.

In present day London, artist Hadley finds herself caught up in a scandal while investigating a Victorian album of death photographs.

Gothic mystery
Family secrets
Dual timelines

This was such an incredible read! Beautifully written in the most haunting way. I was pulled right in to the mystery of it all.

Culpepper house is not just a house that seems alive, but one that slowly drains the life from you. I was constantly worried for Minnie as she uncovered the dark secrets of the Culpepper family. And I loved piecing together the mystery with Hadley as she digs into the past for answers. The way everything came together in the end, with all the little connections and surprises, was so satisfying and made the story even more unforgettable.

If you love gothic mysteries with eerie settings, yearning, and lots of secrets, I highly recommend adding this one to your tbr!

[Nerelle Donnelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one didn’t creep up on me….this one had me captivated from the very beginning.

Now I’ll be honest, I’m not sure how exactly this one grabbed me so quickly. It could have been any number of things, the Victorian setting intertwining with the modern day storyline, the vast array of amazing characters, the intriguing and enigmatic Culpepper House, or the mysterious but heartfelt memorial photos that are central to the story, but what I do know is that it had me from the very first page.

Dual timelines taking part in London in late 1965 and modern day, told from the point of view of Minnie, a young maid new to the Culpepper household in the Victorian era, and Hadley, a grieving Sydney artist in the possession of some eerily beautiful Victorian death photography, who through a culmination of events ends up moving to London, where things really ramp up.

This is a book with many faces….

All Her Beautiful Deaths is historical fiction meets modern drama with thriller/mystery vibes, and add to that a couple of romances, some forbidden romance, a multitude of secrets, a majestic yet haunting grand manor, a tragically beautiful cemetery, and the cutthroat artistic world.

I have mentioned Minnie and Hadley, which I adore, but I would be remiss if I didn’t also mention some other equally loveable characters. Loveable for their own unique qualities. Kit Culpepper who turns Hadley’s world on its side, making her question everything she thought she knew about the stunning images and herself, Edith and Edmund, twins and the owners of Culpepper House, and their friend William, as well as Hadley’s extended chosen family Elke, Gretchen and sassy Charlie. All the characters are so skilfully created.

I really could go on and on about this book, but I think it’s best if you make discoveries for yourself. See what and how you feel about the haunting images, experience the grandeur of the house for yourself, become friends with characters in your own way, but just know that when you fall in love with this story, you won’t be on your own.

Thank you HQ Books for my fabulous ARC to read and review.

Publication date | 1 September 2026

#allherbeautifuldeaths
#arushby
#stunninglybeautiful
#hqbooks
#harpercollinsaustralia

[Meaghan Elizabeth 🌙 · Rating 4 out of 5]

All Her Beautiful Deaths was a beautifully haunting gothic mystery that completely drew me in. The dual timelines were woven together perfectly. You have Victorian death photography, long buried family secrets, and a compelling mystery that kept me guessing until the very end.

I especially loved the dark setting and the way the suspense slowly built with each chapter. The characters felt real and engaging, and I found myself fully invested in uncovering the truth alongside them. The writing was vivid and immersive, making it easy to get lost in both timelines.

If you enjoy gothic fiction, historical mysteries, and stories filled with secrets and intrigue, this is definitely one to add to your TBR. 🖤📚✨

[Helen Haythornthwaite · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a gothic mystery combined with historical fiction. It’s a fascinating story, and one which I thoroughly enjoyed reading.

The story has a dual timeline which I love. It follows Minnie’s story in 1865, and Hadley in the present day. Minnie finds herself working at Culpepper House where she becomes embroiled in the mystery of Edith’s photography - after seeing Edith taking photos of women who have just died.

These same photographs turn up in Hadley’s life, in present day Australia, and lead her on a journey to London to create an art installation based on them. She meets the rather suave Kit Culpepper, who is trying to reclaim the photographs for his family.

I found the narrative so readable; it immediately hooked me in and moved seamlessly from one century to another. I liked most of the characters too, although I didn’t have a clue who to trust. There seemed to be something going on behind the scenes with most of them.

After reading the trigger warnings at the front of the book, I must say I was expecting something darker. Yes, there is a great sense of mystery and a house which seems to watch over its occupants, but it is more of a love story at heart. It encompasses the love between different couples, and the love for family and friends too.

I was fascinated by the morbid photography, especially the way it was shown to be beautiful, and the elements I saw of the art world and preparing for an exhibition too. The author has taken inspiration from real artists, and it was interesting to read about this in her notes at the end of the book.

It is a skilfully woven plot and a very interesting story to read, although I admired the reveal in 1865 more than the present day one. Having said that, I’m looking forward to reading more by this author as her writing style really appealed to me.



I was sent an early copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[chrissy may · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to thank Allison for reaching out to me, chatting about this book she’s poured so much love into creating, and offering me an early read. For an author to say it’s her favorite, of the dozens of books she’s already written, had me interested to say the least.

As someone that studied analog photography, spent years hauling around large format bellows cameras, and toiled away many hours in dark rooms, the summary absolutely peaked my interest. A story that grows from a love for victorian memorial portraiture into a gothic tale that binds itself to modern day installation artistry sounded too good to be true. I seemed to have stumbled on a book taylor made for me, and I truly couldn’t put it down. Not only were the worlds of both artists captivating, but their individual stories were uniquely heartfelt.

The hazy lens of both victorian-Minnie and modern day-Hadley’s experiences slowly clear as their connections become more apparent. Time transforms into less of an obstacle keeping these eras distant from one another into the glue binding their shared moments. There were strong time travel elements without actually convoluting the timeline with that sort of thing. The added bonus of an atmosphere dripping with the gothic delights was the cherry on top. A Victorian mansion, opulent cemetery, verdant conservatory, quack medicines, and even a hint of supernatural magic put this on another level for me.

I was transported every time I picked this book up. Constantly questioning and reexamining characters as I got further into the mystery of it all. A pleasure to read with a satisfying conclusion.

Thanks again to Allison Rushby for your brilliant story and allowing me to read it early.

[Meme · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5⭐️

Thank you to Netgalley and Verve books for allowing me to read and give an honest review of this book, which will be released on September 1st. And what better release date than when summer slowly starts to slip into fall? That’s exactly how this story felt.

This book has the perfect gothic, Victorian, sapphic, artistic vibes.

I was immediately wrapped up in these interlacing stories, lives and times. The Victorian memento mori photographs were so interesting and intriguing that they made me want to research them further.

There is a lot of love in this book, both family love and romantic love. I don’t usually like romance, so I was more invested in some storylines than others. But besides that, it was an amazing read, with so many elements that spoke to me.

Another great discovery thanks to an ARC. I’ll definitely be looking into more of this author’s work.

[Denise Ruttan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautifully Gothic dual-timeline story might have a tough time finding its audience because one story has a historical sapphic love affair, and the modern-day story is a heterosexual romance. So lesbians who can't read about straight men and straight women who can't read about lesbians might not appreciate this. But if you're like me, A.) bi and/or B.) don't need to be attracted to the characters you read about because love is love, then this will be a non-issue.

"All Her Beautiful Deaths" is the story of Edith Culpepper, an eccentric young woman with a tragic backstory who lives at a gloomy mansion under the loving care of her twin brother, who has secrets of his own. Edith is enchanted with Victorian memorial portraiture, determined to do a better job of it than the stale portraits taken of her late parents. A woman, Minnie, desperate to finance medical care for her twin sister, takes a job as Edith's maid, and she becomes increasingly disturbed by the strange goings-on in the house even as she fights her growing attraction to Edith. Oh, the sapphic yearning was splendidly done. And I thought the treatment of queer people was historically accurate without being cozy or queernormative... we have always been here.

Meanwhile, in the present day, the album of Edith's morbid photographs has become a treasured heirloom of installation artist Hadley, who is grieving her famous artist mom and finding her way on her own. An abusive ex stole one of her Victorian photographs and made a mockery of it in his own installation, and she goes on the offense in the media. This causes her to cross paths with the mysterious and maddening rich philanthropist Kit Culpepper, and a feminist artist collective offers her a residency. The two nepo babies feel an instant connection in a way that didn't bother me for someone who usually dislikes instalust. But Hadley is determined to find the truth of who took the beautiful photos and what really happened to all those women who died at Culpepper House, whom she feels responsible for. The past and the present intertwine with a touch of magic realism lent by the mysterious house.

This story was dripping with Gothic atmosphere, though I wish the prose had been more descriptive to lend it an extra layer of lushness. But I was drawn into the worlds of Victorian death portraiture and modern art installations; these themes were impeccably researched. I was also drawn to the characters and although many times it seemed hopeless, I was happy that each of these two compelling love stories got a happy ending.

I was somewhat less invested in Kit and Hadley's love story as each could be spoiled and arrogant, but it had a mirror of longing to the past sapphic romance that I really appreciated.

I was also intrigued by the twists and turns of the mystery and didn't guess where it was headed.

Overall, I really loved this epic about women and queer people fighting their way to freedom when society marginalized them, past and present, and I thought this was a very realistic look at the fine art world. I often find books about artists to be rather stereotypical. This one was fresh and different, with a few different genre blends that kept me intrigued.

I loved this universe and I would totally read another book with these characters. If this book hasn't been hyped yet, people should be talking about it.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Janet L]

All Her Beautiful Deaths
A.Rushby

This book is clever ,you are not sure if you are chasing bodies or models. Centuries apart. Both the artists are seeking answers.
1865 London the Culpeppers are living in London ,and have an unconventional life. Twins Edward has laboratory in the house and Edith is experimenting with morbid photography. Minnie takes employment with family and supports Edith. She soon discovers secrets with Emily’s photos and finds herself attracted deeply to one of the twins.
We come to the present day and Hadley an artist is consumed by an album of Victorian photographs. One photo takes her attention being of a young deceased girl and a white swan.
Hadley is an artist that does installations and has just been asked to do one in the Tait Gallery in London.
She meets Kit Culpepper, a descendant of the family who run a trust that helps finance artists.
So many secrets, so many questions, and a story that switches between 18 63 and the current time. This has been handled well and you seamlessly switch from one story to the other.
A book not to be missed it is a stunningly good read.
Thank you HQInsiders for the chance to read and review this book.

[Natasha Cowles · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Victorian England, Minnie begins working as a maid at the mysterious Culpepper house, home to the twins Edmund and Edith. Edmund spends all his time in a laboratory with his colleague William, while Edith has a keen interest in photography. Specifically postmortem photography.
In modern day Sydney, artist Hadley Allard is learning to use her voice again when her ex-boyfriend and fellow “artist” uses a Victorian postmortem photo he stole from her for a widely publicised installation piece.

This is the kind of book that reminds me why I love reading!
It first lured me in with the use of Victorian postmortem photography and the context of artists who create large-scale installation pieces. Both of these are subjects I find fascinating!
But then, as I read, it was the characters and the stories that made me squeal, grin and read as fast as possible.
This is a book about love, about ethics, about grieving and about family. It’s full of loveable characters that you can’t help but root for.
It had such a satisfying ending as well. It felt like such a warm hug and gives you hope that there are people this good in the real world.

[Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

All Her Beautiful Deaths is an atmospheric Gothic novel filled with art, mystery, family secrets and a cast of the most intriguing characters. Rushby had me hooked from the first sentence as she takes the reader and Minnie to Culpepper House. She then builds an eery and haunting atmosphere throughout the novel. I always enjoy books that feature a manor house with enough charter and charm to be a character in itself and appreciated The Culpepper House setting.

The story unfolds seamlessly over a dual timeline. I enjoyed both storylines and found myself turning the pages to see how they would connect. I found myself fascinated by The Culpepper Cure, Victorian memorial photography and the storylines of both sets of twins Edith and Edward Culpepper and Minnie and Molly. In the modern setting I enjoyed learning more about the art world and installation art and loved getting to know Hadley, Kit and the enigmatic and reclusive Artie Butterworth. The mystery of the photograph and its role in the two timeless bright everything together nicely and I certainly didn’t pick the reveal at the end. After this novel and Slashed Beauties A. Rushby has firmly made a place in my autobuy author list.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

All Her Beautiful Deaths was such an atmospheric delight. It was equal parts gothic mystery, family drama, and art world intrigue. The dual timelines were beautifully balanced, and I was invested in Minnie’s unsettling experiences in Victorian London and Hadley’s present day search for the truth (maybe a little more in Minnie).

The Victorian death photography, scandals, and secrets create this wonderfully eerie atmosphere that’s impossible not to sink into. I especially loved how the two storylines gradually echoed one another, with each reveal making the mystery even more satisfying.

It’s definitely more character driven than fast paced, and I found myself wishing for even more time in the Victorian timeline, but the incredible writing and slow burning tension kept me hooked throughout.

Haunting, elegant, and just macabre enough, I absolutely devoured this one.

[Sasha Haggerty · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beautiful whirlwind novel! I read this so fast desperate to uncover every secret written between its lines. This is the perfect read for anyone obsessed with collecting all things Victorian and Post Mortem photography. I enjoyed the dual-timeline plot. My main issue is that there's not enough of Minnie's POV for me. I wanted that to help build suspense more then just Hadley POV. It seemed to be mostly Hadleys POV and I wanted more of Minnie. I think there's a slight missed opportunity there. But, overall this is really good. And I highly recommend!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I can’t even explain what it was that made me unable to put it down but I stayed up way too late reading it and I felt absolutely awful the next day.

4.5⭐️

Thanks to HQ for the ARC.

[Evie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here we go! Starting with an except that has spoken quite deeply to me, “The beauty of a perfectly imperfect fairly ordinary day. How many of those days pass by without us realising how wonderful they are?”

Well. Beloved Allison Rushby perfectly captured the memories and odd feelings that are often conjured in the aftermath of losing a loved one.
“All those everydays. All that beautiful normality, that unrealised, blissful ordinariness that i didn’t notice was something to be treasured until it was snatched away from me.” Allison, can i give you a hug? 🥹

Drawn in by the first chapter, I adore a dual POV timeline and knew this would be my cup of tea. The story begins in 1865 , where Minnie has left her ill twin sister to take up a new job, in hopes of aiding her health. Her new responsibilities as a housemaid are unclear, working in a strange household. Her charge, even stranger. Edith Culpepper has an obsession with artistic photography, wanting to invoke intense emotions with the images. Minnie thinks it’s wrong; her obsession with death.

Fast forward to present day , artist Hadley has admired and fawned over a particular album of beautiful photographs since she was a teen. Following her best friends death, an art scandal directly relating to her late acquaintance has her in the spotlight, sharing her side of the story. She meets a curious Kit Culpepper, who has pretty much hunted her across the continent upon hearing about these photographs resurfacing. Kit spins Hadley into his web of trickery, playing mind games and confusing the heck out of our girl. He wants the album back, at, quite literally, any cost. And this is where it gets fishy!

Here is where i cease the plot description, as the story has already been told and you should just read it, as i could never sum it up as beautifully as it was written! Formatted like a gripping TV show, the POV switches just as things ramp up and you have no choice but to race through to uncover the previous twist. It’s delectable and addictive. Both female characters have an allure that just oozes mystery and dark, gothic charm. I adored everyone in the story and genuinely wish I could have read about all of them more. There are so many themes in this story; grief, death, life, sexuality, betrayal, trust. It is so jam packed with emotion but such a swift journey!

“it was a delicate thing, impossible thing that mocked death and served only beauty. too perfect for this world, or the one after, it had carved out a time and space all of its own, suspended in stillness.” Just utterly obsessed with Allison’s prose, she writes so eloquently and sees the beauty in everything. I will forgive her for being mean to birds for a second time. (The description is light and not in depth at all. Don’t be put off!)
And, in this era, there are not many things you can say to sting an artist with, but “AI could have done a better job.” is pretty fucking ruthless, loved that!

This story was so powerful and intriguing, I read it as fast as I can while wanting to be inside it as long as I possibly could - the Victorian timeline was beautifully done and so emotionally satisfying, while the present day timeline was so riveting and full of amazing information about post-mortem photography - no doubt to send you down a googling rabbit hole with the sources Allison provides us at the end. Not many books inspire me to go learn….but this author really does a beautiful job at educating as well as storytelling; it’s a marvellous feeling to be transported.

“Sometimes you just need one memory to hold on to.”

Thank you NetGalley for not making me hunt you down to review this book early

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

All Her Beautiful Deaths is a gorgeously macabre dual‑timeline mystery that slips between Victorian London and the present day with the ease of a shadow crossing a wall. From the first pages, there’s a sense of something haunting and irresistible at work—an old house, a forbidden photograph, a family name that seems to echo through time.

In 1865, Minnie’s story unfolds with a deliciously gothic tension. Desperate for work, she steps into the strange world of the Culpepper twins: Edmund with his unsettling laboratory, Edith with her morbid photography, and a house that seems to breathe secrets. Minnie’s attraction, her desperation, and her dawning horror are handled with such care that you feel the walls of Culpepper House closing in alongside her. By the time she realises the danger she’s in, the trap is already set.

In the present day, Hadley’s grief‑soaked fascination with a Victorian death‑photography album creates a perfect mirror to Minnie’s world. The image of the girl with the swan is both beautiful and chilling, and the art‑world scandal that follows pulls Hadley into the orbit of Kit Culpepper—a man whose charm feels like a mask for something far darker. The tension builds quietly as Hadley digs deeper, sensing that the past isn’t just lingering but actively guarded.

What makes the novel so compelling is how seamlessly the two timelines speak to each other. Themes of class, ownership, exploitation, and the way art can both reveal and conceal run through both women’s stories. The atmosphere is rich and immersive—fog‑damp Victorian streets, dimly lit studios, modern galleries humming with ambition—and the mystery unfurls with a steady, irresistible pull.
All Her Beautiful Deaths is a beautifully crafted gothic mystery, equal parts eerie and elegant. It explores grief, desire, and the dangerous power of the gaze, all while delivering a story that feels both intimate and sweeping.

A haunting, exquisitely layered novel perfect for readers who love their mysteries steeped in history, art, and the shadows that linger between them.

With thanks to A Rushby, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Meg Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley Publishing Group, and A. Rushby for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I don’t usually gravitate toward stories set this far back in history, but All Her Beautiful Deaths completely pulled me in and kept me glued to the pages because I absolutely had to know what was going on. A. Rushby does such an incredible job blending historical fiction, mystery, gothic atmosphere, and emotional depth into something that feels unique and impossible to put down.

The dual timelines were one of the strongest parts of the novel for me. Both the Victorian storyline and the present-day narrative felt equally compelling, and I found myself fully invested in uncovering how everything connected. The present-day plot aligned perfectly with the historical elements, and the transitions between timelines were handled beautifully. Every reveal felt rewarding and made the mystery even more fascinating.

The atmosphere in this book is absolutely stunning. The Victorian death photography, scandal, grief, art, and dark secrets create such a haunting and immersive vibe without ever feeling overdone. Rushby’s writing is gorgeous and incredibly easy to sink into, and the slower burn of the story worked perfectly because the tension and curiosity kept building the entire time.

I also loved the characters. Both female leads felt well-developed and memorable, and I became emotionally attached to their journeys very quickly. Even the supporting characters added so much richness to the story and made the world feel vivid and real.

This book is much more than just a thriller or mystery — it’s deeply emotional and thoughtful while still delivering suspense and intrigue. Everything came together so well by the end, and I finished the book feeling completely satisfied while also wishing I could stay in the story longer.

If you enjoy atmospheric mysteries, dual timelines, gothic historical fiction, and beautifully written character-driven stories, I highly recommend All Her Beautiful Deaths. A. Rushby continues to prove she’s an author worth watching.

[Laura Trenham · Rating 3 out of 5]

All Her Beautiful Deaths was a unique, dual timeline text, immersing the reader in the mystery of the Culpepper family from the 19th Century to modern day. When I first read the blurb, I was intrigued, as it was quite vague and did sound quite bizarre and something out of my comfort zone.

Once I began reading, I did not want to put the text down. I was swept up in the mystery of what the memorial photographs were and their purpose, following the journey of Edith and Minnie in Victorian England. The author did an excellent job of revealing clues along the way, as to keep the suspense at the conclusion and keep the reader guessing as to why they were taken. The modern day timeline was just as gripping, following Hadley and her quest to determine what the photographs were and who took them, taking her across the world. The plot continued to engage right the way through the text, without any ‘dragging’, which can be a feature of some historical fiction texts.

The theme of the novel, the strength of women and their determination to do what’s right was at the forefront. No matter the obstacles placed in their way, protagonists Edith, Minnie and Hadley wanted to ensure that the women in their lives were protected at all costs. This was revolutionary for Minnie and Edith, as women had few rights in Victorian times. It was pleasing to see the author demonstrate that women in these times could be brave and stand up against the patriarchy. I also enjoyed reading about Hadley and watching her confidence in herself grow over the course of the novel, as she realised her artistic potential as she unravelled the mystery.

I’d highly recommend this text to anyone looking for something different to the usual historical fiction, and who may be interested in art too. It is a fresh text with original ideas, which engaged me from the first few pages with its air of mystery. The gothic scenery was immersive and it made you feel like you could easily picture the setting.

Thank you to the publishers, Harlequin Australia, for providing me with an arc for review.

3 and a half stars ✨

[storriebooked · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, 5AM, we have to stop meeting like this, but I fear we never will because the books are simply too good. ((This time it's A. Rushby's fault and please remind me to send a thank you.)) Now, I may have taken a small detour between finishing this book and writing this review to ensure that I IMMEDIATELY preordered a physical copy, but the important thing is that I'm here now. All Her Beautiful Deaths has earned a spot on my List of Books I Will Not Be Shutting Up About, and now you get to be my captive audience as I explain why.

I love dual timelines, but sometimes I find myself loving one and tolerating the other(s). Rushby gave us two timelines here that both feel equally compelling and kept me fully invested. Hadley and Minnie are both strong characters with beautiful growth and fierce convictions. They don't just go along with what is easy or expected. They're women that you want to root for, that you can find pieces of yourself in. And they aren't the only ones. Elke, Gretchen, Edith, Charlie, Artie... they're us, someone we know, or someone we aspire to. They're characters, but they aren't. They feel tangible, and so you feel their pain, turmoil, fear, ferocity, and decisiveness. I love them, I adore them, and I miss them already.

This book also sent me into a research spiral ((my second, at the hands of this author)) and the amount of detail I've read around Victorian memorial photography over the past few days is potentially concerning. But it's also been deeply fascinating and the way it's used in this book is incredible. It feels so symbolic and there's a certain purity to it that I can't fully explain without ruining the whole book... and believe me, you should go in blind.

If you're on the fence or if this book wasn't yet on your radar, please change that. I'm going to need people to discuss All Her Beautiful Deaths with ASAP.

((While the viewpoints shared are my own, I want to thank NetGalley, Berkley Publishing Group, & A. Rushby for this complimentary copy.))

[Brooke Winters · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gothic tale in two timelines in which the lives of two women intersect through a series of mysterious, eerily beautiful photographs of the dead.

Thank you so much to Berkley Pub and Allison Rushby for the eARC, this was an absolute PLEASURE to read 🖤

Do you ever read a book you enjoyed SO MUCH that when you finally get a chance to sit down and write a review for it, you don’t know what to say other than: “I loved it.” Because that has been me ever since I finished this book. I’m just at a loss for words. I loved it. Truly. And now I shall attempt to tell you WHY.

I love a dual timeline, though more often than not, I tend to prefer one timeline/character over another. That was not the case here. I loved Minnie’s 1865 timeline JUST AS MUCH as Hadley’s present day story. The characters felt distinct, the gothic atmosphere was laced with the macabre, and the mystery and secrets were so well written and so compelling, I found it hard to be away from either of these characters and their stories. I don’t want to say too much because I don’t want to risk spoiling the mystery, but the exploration of art, grief, regret, and family secrets had the perfect blend of horror and hope. I will not elaborate on this further, just trust me, it’s best to go into this book somewhat blind.

The Victorian photographs and the story built around them was so unique, I never quite knew what was going to be revealed. I loved the twists and turns, and the back and forth between trusting and distrusting certain characters. The prose was beautiful, and the romance was present yet subtle, never overshadowing the mystery at hand. I loved that even though there were some great male characters, the women and their stories remained central to the plot.

This is a story about two women, separated by time, connected to mysterious photographs of the dead. And it is beautiful, it is moving, and it is everything I love about gothic literature.

All Her Beautiful Deaths releases September 22, 2026! Do yourselves a favour and add this to your TBR, you won’t regret it!

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Read ARC from NetGalley) This book seems to blend genres a bit. It's not horror, but the influence of Victorian death photographs gives it a macabre feel. There is a mystery, which is solved a little too "easy," but that works because there's also some romance. It's got realistic stakes, where things happen and that really sucks, but nobody's threatening to kill anyone like in most crime or thriller novels. I'm not really sure how to describe the story, but I liked it. I'd call it slow paced. It was executed well because I don't normally like the type of characters we see in the book, but I did like Hadley the protagonist. She was very stubborn but also reasonable and acknowledged her privilege. I liked most of the main characters by the end, honestly. At the heart of the story, it's about grief and being able to move on and find happiness. I think that's the main theme tying the story together. We focus on Hadley in the present, but there are flashbacks to Minnie in 1865 London, when the mysterious photographs were created. One of my biggest criticisms is how disjointed the two stories felt. I think the jump between a modern artist and Victorian gothic setting was a bit much, at least how it was executed here. We didn't get little bits after every chapter, we got long bits of the past at the end of every so many chapters. I think that could be improved by just mixing the stories a little more. It felt like we were mostly in the present, but would randomly time travel every so often. But overall, I loved the solution of the mystery and I really enjoyed the book's vibes. It wasn't trying to fit into a box, I was just along for the ride and learning about the art world and rich people as I go. It took a little to get going, but once it did I was there. It's very character driven (fortunately, I enjoyed Hadley), and had a happy ending all around despite all the darkness we start with.

[Emily Pankhurst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Netgalley Review

The writing was engaging and drew me in right from the beginning. I looked forward to picking it back up at each reading session, eager to see what was going to happen next.

The chapters were fairly long which meant that you got a good chunk of the story before moving on.

There was an interesting flow between the chapters created by the dual timeline. I enjoyed the story of each timeline and seeing how it all gradually came together. It was always clear which timeline you were reading about despite not always having dates at the beginning of the chapters. I enjoyed getting fully immersed in each timeline before being taken on to the next one.

To create the suspense and the tension in each timeline there were lots of little things happening that cut off at just the right moment, keeping you hanging in the best possible way.

There was a good pace to the book, allowing us to move forward well in each timeline.

The characters were excellent. Whilst there were a lot of characters to get your head around, the way that the story was written meant that you could keep up with who was who.

There was a good mix of personalities in both timelines that helped to create an emotional and thought provoking read.

There were a few surprises along the way that kept the story interesting.

Lastly the settings. I loved the main house and how it was a character in it's own right. There were some lovely descriptions throughout the book which really brought the story to life.

Overall an excellent gothic read that was packed full of delicious secrets and took you on an emotional rollercoaster. I highly recommend.

[cottageannotations · Rating 5 out of 5]

All Her Beautiful Deaths is an incredible story of resilience, grief, love, following your heart and staying true to yourself. 

All Her Beautiful Deaths is such a layered story with each character having such a distinct tone and thought process; it felt as if I had known these characters all my life. So you can imagine my horror when I read the last page. I will never learn anything new about them or their lives - closing this book felt like saying goodbye to an old friend. 

I was obsessed with the uncanny, strange, creepy and unsettling vibes of the death photography happening at Culpepper House - it is an utterly unique premise and did NOT disappoint one bit. 

Allison has such a way of holding your heart in her hands and guiding you through some of the most gorgeous scenes, and then running away as you desperately try to run after her. It was beautifully written with twists happening throughout to keep you immersed (that omg! feeling). There were aspects I did not expect to read, but it only made me feel stronger in my connection to these characters. Her writing is SO vivid in my brain and that does not happen often; it felt like watching a TV show that I never wanted to end.

Allison has mastered the balance of dual-timeline POVs, as I was equally interested in both timelines, with the pacing being immaculate. As I mentioned, twists were happening throughout the book but they occur naturally as the characters progress throughout their day-to-day activities. 

I'm writing this review a few days after finishing it and these characters stuck with me, often popping up throughout my day to say hi. It is safe to say this may be one of my favourite reads of 2026 (Alison has been on this favourite list 2 years running now!) I don't think there is more I can say apart from trust me you need to read this otherwise I will blab on. 

I want to give a HUGE thank you to Allison for writing this masterpiece and Harlequin Australia for allowing me to read this e-arc in exchange for an honnest review

[Jackie McMillan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an out-of-character pick for me, but I was glad I made it. All Her Beautiful Deaths is a gothic novel set in both the 1860s (with Minnie's story) and the present day (with Hadley's). The stories intersect with a secret that Hadley and Minnie both struggle to uncover. As the name suggests, it's centred upon death and grief, with the mystery surrounding a series of Victorian death portraits: "Death truly surrounded the Victorians at all points of their lives. Death and grief."

What I liked about it was the intersection with the art world, both through the Victorian memorial photography: "Your photograph tells us what it felt like to be in the room" and the contemporary art installations that Hadley and other characters create. It's not the most flattering picture of the art world, with the book arguing it "can be cruel. Cutthroat. That there's often only a thin veneer of civility to it." It's also beset with privilege, more about who you know, than how talented you are, or how hard you work: "it doesn't mean Chloe's not right about how inaccessible the art world is." I also liked seeing Hadley argue that accessibility to art is everyone's right.

There are some supernatural elements to this (otherwise quite believable story) mostly in relation to Culpepper House, which is built up into a character, at times seeming malevolent, but also very protective of those who belong there.

With thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for sending me a copy to read.

[chelsea | honeyiboughtmorebooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rushby was absolutely right when she wrote in her Acknowledgments that this story was "brimming with love," because that's exactly what All Her Beautiful Deaths is. Love in all its forms.

The dual timelines were one of my favorite parts of the story. Moving between London in 1865 and present-day London, they slowly weave together to reveal how the lives of two artists become intertwined through a series of eerily beautiful photographs of the dead. Every chapter felt like another piece of an old photograph being carefully developed, bringing the bigger picture into focus.

This is one of those books that makes you stop and think. It reminds you not to make judgments based on what you see at first glance, because there's almost always more to the story. Sometimes all you need is a little patience, empathy, and a willingness to sit with uncomfortable truths to understand what's really in front of you. One quote that really stayed with me was, "sometimes you just need one photograph to hold on to." It's such a simple line, but it perfectly captures the heart of this novel.

Beautifully written, deeply thoughtful, and haunting in the gentlest way. It's the kind of book that changes the way you look at the stories people leave behind.

WHAT TO EXPECT:
🪦 dual timelines
🪦 historical fiction
🪦 gothic atmosphere
🪦 family secrets
🪦 art & photography
🪦 slow-burn mystery
🪦 interwoven lives
🪦 character-driven story

Pub Date: September 22, 2026 🗓️

Thank you @allisonrushbyauthor @netgalley and @berkleypub for my eARC! 🫶🏻

[Lex · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favourite reads of the year, and will stay rent free in my head and on my lips (I will be recommending to everyone I know!)

I am still processing and in awe of this story and Allison's amazing writing and vivid imagery as usual! I was so excited to get this as an e-arc on Netgalley. I was such a fan of Slashed Beauties (I think time for a reread soon!) I am glad this time Allison is abit kinder to the characters & their endings.

I slowly read this over a few days to capture all its amazing essence (being such a lover of Highgate Cemetary and London, I am very excited Allison has based another great book there) incorporated with a dual timeline to present day Sydney Australia & London and Victorian London England in the 1860s.

A great book also for Pride month (and in general) Also for those who want to be converted to (or already love) a good dual timelines & gothic mystery/horror/historical.

It's filled with the strength of woman, queerness, processing of grief and finding oneself & determination and resilience over their own identities and relationships. Also, persistence in uncovering secrets and truths.

I am now down a rabbit hole of Victorian photography and Allison's research and inspirations.

Infinity stars! (especially for the great book club questions at the end also)

Highly highly recommend! Thanks so much for the e-arc and Allison's for writing! (with all your amazing quotes in it!)

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author and publisher for my copy of this book!

Oh my godddddd what a beautiful read. I love gothic books, and once I read this blurb I knew I wanted to try this book.

I absolutely adored how the author explored death in this book. That it’s not necessarily an end of life, but for those around you, it’s more about the life you lived and how they loved you during that life. I love how much research went into Victorian memorial photos and it’s evident that the author has read about this. I’m a history buff so really enjoyed reading about this topic!

Also, the queer representation was incredible. And during pride month too 🥰
It was so tastefully covered, and I really enjoyed the progression of the WLW relationship as it felt genuine and very sweet. Not to mention the rep of someone who is hard of hearing too! It just filled me with so much love and warmth.

One thing I loved about the book was the longing effects of being in an abusive relationship. The guilt, anger and shame that you feel about how you behaved at that time once you’ve finally come out of it. Again, very tastefully done and very accurate.

Another great book from this author. A warming tale of love, found family, and familial bonds. I found it hard to put this book down, and this book is one you continue to think about after you finish it!!

Rating: 5/5 stars (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)

[Lizzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed reading All Her Beautiful Deaths!

The novel follows two interwoven stories; Minnie, a housemaid for the wealthy and mysterious Culpepper family in the late 19th century, and Hadley, an artist in a contemporary setting whose fascination with a collection of photographs slowly turns into something much bigger.

There is a lot to enjoy in this novel. Once I got going, it was tough to put down and I ended up reading most of it in a single night. Rushby does a great job of drawing you in and slowly peeling back layers while maintaining the intrigue.

The book creates a distinctly gothic atmosphere. It's eerie, romantic and at times slightly unsettling. It's exploration of art & death really contributed to that feeling. Both storylines were great but Minnie’s was particularly really immersive.

The story ties together neatly and left me feeling satisfied that my questions had been answered. At times, parts of the contemporary storyline felt a little too neat or convenient and would pull me out a bit, but it didn't take away from my overall enjoyment of the novel.

Overall this was a really fun read, would definitely recommend to family and friends looking for a cosy and charming gothic mystery with plenty of heart.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advance review copy.