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The Deception
A sleight of hand. A trick up the sleeve. A call for the dead. It’s all part of the game in this twisty tale by the bestselling author of After Alice Fell.
New Hampshire, 1877. Maud Price was once a celebrated child medium, a true believer in lifting the veil between the living and the dead. Now penniless, her guiding spirits gone, the so-called “Maid of Light” is desperate to regain her reputation—but doing so means putting her faith in deceiving others.
Clementine Watkins, known in spiritualist circles for her bag of tricks and utmost discretion, creates the sort of theatrics that can fill Maud’s parlor again, and with each misdirection, Maud’s fame is restored. But her guilt is a heavy burden. And the ruse has become a risk. Others are plotting to expose the fraud, and Clem can’t allow anyone—even Maud—to jeopardize the fortune the hoax has made her.
When the deception hints at a possible murder, Maud realizes how dangerous a game she’s playing. But to return to the light from which she’s strayed, she must first survive the darkness created by Clem’s smoke and mirrors.
New Hampshire, 1877. Maud Price was once a celebrated child medium, a true believer in lifting the veil between the living and the dead. Now penniless, her guiding spirits gone, the so-called “Maid of Light” is desperate to regain her reputation—but doing so means putting her faith in deceiving others.
Clementine Watkins, known in spiritualist circles for her bag of tricks and utmost discretion, creates the sort of theatrics that can fill Maud’s parlor again, and with each misdirection, Maud’s fame is restored. But her guilt is a heavy burden. And the ruse has become a risk. Others are plotting to expose the fraud, and Clem can’t allow anyone—even Maud—to jeopardize the fortune the hoax has made her.
When the deception hints at a possible murder, Maud realizes how dangerous a game she’s playing. But to return to the light from which she’s strayed, she must first survive the darkness created by Clem’s smoke and mirrors.
351 pages, Paperback
First published September 27, 2022
99 people are currently reading
2979 people want to read
About the author
Kim Taylor Blakemore
10 books571 followersKim writes historical novels that feature fierce, audacious, and often dangerous women. She writes about the thieves and servants, murderesses and mediums, grifters and frauds - the women with darker stories, tangled lies and hidden motives.
She is the author of the historical thrillers THE DECEPTION, Silver Falchion Award winner AFTER ALICE FELL, THE COMPANION, and the historical novels BOWERY GIRL, and CISSY FUNK, a WILLA Award winner for Best Young Adult novel. She also writes historical fiction featuring wild-willed women of the West under the pen name K.T. Blakemore.
She is a developmental editor, and founder of Novelitics, which provides workshops and community to writers in the United States and Canada.
She lives with her family and passel of rescue cats and dogs in the Pacific Northwest. She loves the rain, is afraid of scary movies, and thinks the best meal consists of a grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup.
She is the author of the historical thrillers THE DECEPTION, Silver Falchion Award winner AFTER ALICE FELL, THE COMPANION, and the historical novels BOWERY GIRL, and CISSY FUNK, a WILLA Award winner for Best Young Adult novel. She also writes historical fiction featuring wild-willed women of the West under the pen name K.T. Blakemore.
She is a developmental editor, and founder of Novelitics, which provides workshops and community to writers in the United States and Canada.
She lives with her family and passel of rescue cats and dogs in the Pacific Northwest. She loves the rain, is afraid of scary movies, and thinks the best meal consists of a grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
July 11, 2023
New Hampshire in the 1870s is a time when Spiritualism is a contested topic, with true believers and vocal naysayers. Clementine, an orphan with a knack for sleight of hand, has spent most of her adult life aiding spiritualists in the area with theatrics that fill their parlors with eager believers. Maud was celebrated as a child as a gifted medium, but in recent years has lost her touch. She hears voices and does her best to listen to them, but they’ve gone quiet. Clementine is sure she can make Maud popular again and make them both rich in the process. Maud reluctantly agrees, but soon has second thoughts when she realizes that she’s become part of a game darker and more dangerous than she initially thought.
The premise of this book was great, and the author executed it well. I quite liked how alive the setting felt to me. The author incorporated meaningful and interesting descriptions, which added much to this read. Relevant information surrounding the Spiritualist movement in New England was also present throughout, and the way it was incorporated into the characters’ actions and thoughts made them and the setting spring to life.
One of my favorite aspects of the work was the juxtaposition of Clem and Maud. Their characters were the opposite of each other in most things, and the way the author wrote them as foils was fantastic. I enjoyed how well they highlighted each other’s flaws and strengths throughout the work. It was also a pleasure to have a flawed protagonist that was unlikeable but written well, especially since I grew to dislike her rather than knowing how I felt about her right from the beginning. Thankfully, this is told from the dual POV of both Clem and Maud, making it easy to understand their actions and motivations.
The ending if this was perfect. Things were resolved enough to be satisfying but left open so I had to just sit and stare at the book for a bit before putting it down. Just a note: this was a character-driven read, so there’s not much plot or intense bouts of action. If you’re interested in an atmospheric historical fiction, then this is certainly worth checking out. My thanks to the author and publisher for hosting this giveaway on Goodreads.
The premise of this book was great, and the author executed it well. I quite liked how alive the setting felt to me. The author incorporated meaningful and interesting descriptions, which added much to this read. Relevant information surrounding the Spiritualist movement in New England was also present throughout, and the way it was incorporated into the characters’ actions and thoughts made them and the setting spring to life.
One of my favorite aspects of the work was the juxtaposition of Clem and Maud. Their characters were the opposite of each other in most things, and the way the author wrote them as foils was fantastic. I enjoyed how well they highlighted each other’s flaws and strengths throughout the work. It was also a pleasure to have a flawed protagonist that was unlikeable but written well, especially since I grew to dislike her rather than knowing how I felt about her right from the beginning. Thankfully, this is told from the dual POV of both Clem and Maud, making it easy to understand their actions and motivations.
The ending if this was perfect. Things were resolved enough to be satisfying but left open so I had to just sit and stare at the book for a bit before putting it down. Just a note: this was a character-driven read, so there’s not much plot or intense bouts of action. If you’re interested in an atmospheric historical fiction, then this is certainly worth checking out. My thanks to the author and publisher for hosting this giveaway on Goodreads.
October 28, 2022
I wanted to like this one, I really did. I think the fact I flipped to audio may have had something to do with my lower rating. . .but I just did not like the characters. I found Clementine completely awful from the get-go. The way she steamrolled Maud right from the beginning just frustrated me. But Maud never changed. She just kept letting her take over again and again. The narrator for Maud was breathy (which I think the author said she was) but Maud was constantly unsure, unaware and gasping for breath. I equally couldn't stand her perspective. I thought there would be more seances and more paranormal activity but the story mainly focused on the slight of hand and parlor games instead of the real thing.
I wish I'd liked it more but sadly, this one just wasn't for me..
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
I wish I'd liked it more but sadly, this one just wasn't for me..
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
December 4, 2022
⭐⭐ -- Great cover on this one!
This was just okay for me. I found myself putting it aside to do other things a lot and forgetting to pick it back up. 🤷🏻♀️ On a more positive note, the author did a good job making the story atmospheric and spooky.
**ARC Via NetGalley**
This was just okay for me. I found myself putting it aside to do other things a lot and forgetting to pick it back up. 🤷🏻♀️ On a more positive note, the author did a good job making the story atmospheric and spooky.
**ARC Via NetGalley**
September 11, 2022
I became familiar with this author when I stumbled across When Alice Fell, one of the best historical mysteries I’ve read to date. Her ability to bring her characters to life is phenomenal, and that talent didn’t disappoint in her newest book.
Set in 1877 during the early days of the Spiritualist movement in New England, this novel shines an unflinching light on the fact that most of the so-called mediums of the time were frauds, employing tricks that might seem laughable today. However, people got rich using these methods and Clem is taking full advantage of people’s desperation to connect with their deceased loved ones by providing consulting services to add more “wow” to a seance. Her services are discreet and effective and she’s well worth her fee.
As a child, Maud was known as “The Maid of Light,” able to legitimately connect beyond the veil and widely popular because of her skill. Now, however, her spirit guide has departed and she’s only a few months from the poorhouse. On a recommendation from a peer, she reluctantly hires Clem to fill her parlor and her coffers. However, Maud is the real deal and Clem’s tricks don’t sit well with her. But Clem is a force to be reckoned with and Maud finds it hard to argue when money is flowing in and her name is once again spoken with reverence. Until investigators get a little too close to uncovering Clem’s tricks and Maud gets an inkling of Clem’s dark history.
At its most basic level, this was a great read. The period details are excellent, the tension is maintained throughout, and the author had a way of manipulating my feelings so skillfully I didn’t even realize it was happening. Clem begins as fairly sympathetic, just a woman finding her niche in a difficult world while Maud is, well, a bit maudlin and unable to make her own way without assistance. But at some point in the novel my opinion of these women flipped and it was so well done, I wasn’t able to put my finger on where, exactly, it happened. All I knew was that somehow, Maud had gotten under my skin and Clem was much more damaged than I’d originally thought.
The point of view shifts between Clem and Maud and the reader is deeply embedded in each character. Lots of showing, not a lot of telling. Exactly what I look for in a character-driven story. And the ending will leave you on tenterhooks imagining what comes next. I’m not sure if there’s enough left unresolved for a sequel or if that’s the author’s intention. Things are left a bit up in the air but the book wrapped up satisfactorily for me, yet still left a “what if?” hanging.
If you’re interested in the Spiritualist movement or just like great historical fiction, pick this one up.
4.25/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐+
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing the ARC. I’ve left my review honestly and voluntarily.
Set in 1877 during the early days of the Spiritualist movement in New England, this novel shines an unflinching light on the fact that most of the so-called mediums of the time were frauds, employing tricks that might seem laughable today. However, people got rich using these methods and Clem is taking full advantage of people’s desperation to connect with their deceased loved ones by providing consulting services to add more “wow” to a seance. Her services are discreet and effective and she’s well worth her fee.
As a child, Maud was known as “The Maid of Light,” able to legitimately connect beyond the veil and widely popular because of her skill. Now, however, her spirit guide has departed and she’s only a few months from the poorhouse. On a recommendation from a peer, she reluctantly hires Clem to fill her parlor and her coffers. However, Maud is the real deal and Clem’s tricks don’t sit well with her. But Clem is a force to be reckoned with and Maud finds it hard to argue when money is flowing in and her name is once again spoken with reverence. Until investigators get a little too close to uncovering Clem’s tricks and Maud gets an inkling of Clem’s dark history.
At its most basic level, this was a great read. The period details are excellent, the tension is maintained throughout, and the author had a way of manipulating my feelings so skillfully I didn’t even realize it was happening. Clem begins as fairly sympathetic, just a woman finding her niche in a difficult world while Maud is, well, a bit maudlin and unable to make her own way without assistance. But at some point in the novel my opinion of these women flipped and it was so well done, I wasn’t able to put my finger on where, exactly, it happened. All I knew was that somehow, Maud had gotten under my skin and Clem was much more damaged than I’d originally thought.
The point of view shifts between Clem and Maud and the reader is deeply embedded in each character. Lots of showing, not a lot of telling. Exactly what I look for in a character-driven story. And the ending will leave you on tenterhooks imagining what comes next. I’m not sure if there’s enough left unresolved for a sequel or if that’s the author’s intention. Things are left a bit up in the air but the book wrapped up satisfactorily for me, yet still left a “what if?” hanging.
If you’re interested in the Spiritualist movement or just like great historical fiction, pick this one up.
4.25/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐+
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing the ARC. I’ve left my review honestly and voluntarily.
August 11, 2022
The author has done it again with another fantastic read, this time about the spiritualist movement in the 19th century. Clementine Watkins, a woman well-schooled in sleight-of-hand séance tricks, has come to assist Maud Price, whose talents as a medium have dimmed. Maud, once touted as the famed Maid of Light, needs Clementine to breathe life back into her seances. Unfortunately, everything seems to come at a price. Clem has a dark backstory, the breadcrumbs of which Blakemore brilliantly doles out with her own trademark sleight-of-hand. There are plenty of juicy surprises I didn’t see coming that were great. The writing is bold, the characters well-drawn, the suspense as intense as a book about spirits, spooks, and fraud should be. There’s even a mangy dog named Ethelred.
Perfect for fans of Gothic reads who want to immerse themselves in devilish good fun.
I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Perfect for fans of Gothic reads who want to immerse themselves in devilish good fun.
I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
September 24, 2022
This is such a good creepy, spiritual novel! If you are looking for a good Halloween read then this is your novel!
Maud was once revered as child medium. Someone who could unveil the dead to the living to give one last message, an apology or hope that all is well on the other side and that a loved one is waiting for them. Her talent has gone by the wayside and many other houses of spirits have opened although Maud knows they are frauds and what she experienced as a child and still does sometimes is true and honest. She cannot control the other side, it is on their terms when they show them to her, or give her a sign. But that is not understood amongst the public, they expect signs to happen on command.
Down to her last pennies, Maud is unsure how she is going to move on and survive. The number of guests has diminished to barely filling the seats around the table, so she reaches out to another spiritualist, looking for some guidance on how to get back on her feet. Clem shows up to answer her call of help and after one evening realizes this is not what she was looking for in terms of help, and now she might be in too deep. Clem and her side kick Russell have taken control of all things, including her house and a force to not be recon with, Clem seems to have some secrets of her own as well.
Clapping, bumps, bangs, fire, sightings, moving furniture and many other theatrics Clem and Russell have come up with soon bring Maud back to having a line out her front door and many begging to see her but when murder is also added to that list, Maud knows she might have let things get too far and that this is exactly what she did not want to become.
Thank you to Let's Talk Books for the invite and to the author for the free novel!
Maud was once revered as child medium. Someone who could unveil the dead to the living to give one last message, an apology or hope that all is well on the other side and that a loved one is waiting for them. Her talent has gone by the wayside and many other houses of spirits have opened although Maud knows they are frauds and what she experienced as a child and still does sometimes is true and honest. She cannot control the other side, it is on their terms when they show them to her, or give her a sign. But that is not understood amongst the public, they expect signs to happen on command.
Down to her last pennies, Maud is unsure how she is going to move on and survive. The number of guests has diminished to barely filling the seats around the table, so she reaches out to another spiritualist, looking for some guidance on how to get back on her feet. Clem shows up to answer her call of help and after one evening realizes this is not what she was looking for in terms of help, and now she might be in too deep. Clem and her side kick Russell have taken control of all things, including her house and a force to not be recon with, Clem seems to have some secrets of her own as well.
Clapping, bumps, bangs, fire, sightings, moving furniture and many other theatrics Clem and Russell have come up with soon bring Maud back to having a line out her front door and many begging to see her but when murder is also added to that list, Maud knows she might have let things get too far and that this is exactly what she did not want to become.
Thank you to Let's Talk Books for the invite and to the author for the free novel!
November 1, 2022
How do you feel about the US spiritualist movement of the late 19th Century? About unethical characters with twisted backgrounds? About fake mediums? About real mediums? About disinterested cops on the take? About true and not-so-true love?
If any of these possibilities are catching your interest, I'm pretty sure you'll enjoy reading Kim Taylor Blakemore's The Deception.
Maud, who has worked as a (real) medium since childhood find herself becoming more and more marginalized, while her bills mount higher and higher. She contacts Clem (short for Clementine), who makes a business of assisting mediums facing circumstances just like Maud's. In almost no time at all, Clem has improved Maud's fortunes, not by helping Maud reconnect with her spirit guide, but by adding layers of attention-getting flimflam to what were once Maud's very sincere, if frequently unsuccessful, seances.
That's the set-up in The Deception, which expands outward in concentric circles of fraud, criminality, blackmail, and attempted debunkings.
If you're looking for an exciting read that will pull you away from the day-to-day, The Deception should serve you well.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.
If any of these possibilities are catching your interest, I'm pretty sure you'll enjoy reading Kim Taylor Blakemore's The Deception.
Maud, who has worked as a (real) medium since childhood find herself becoming more and more marginalized, while her bills mount higher and higher. She contacts Clem (short for Clementine), who makes a business of assisting mediums facing circumstances just like Maud's. In almost no time at all, Clem has improved Maud's fortunes, not by helping Maud reconnect with her spirit guide, but by adding layers of attention-getting flimflam to what were once Maud's very sincere, if frequently unsuccessful, seances.
That's the set-up in The Deception, which expands outward in concentric circles of fraud, criminality, blackmail, and attempted debunkings.
If you're looking for an exciting read that will pull you away from the day-to-day, The Deception should serve you well.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.
September 22, 2022
Full teaser post published 25 September 2022 at https://wellreadpiratequeen.blogspot....
I've read quite a few books about spiritualists. Some have been quite good; others haven't even been worth the time it would take to give a negative review on Goodreads, much less the time to put together a teaser graphic for the blog. Good enough to willingly lose sleep? I don't know if that's ever happened with this particular subject matter ... until Kim Taylor Blakemore's The Deception.
Okay, so I haven't been sleeping much or well anyway, but that's absolutely not the point.
The point is that this book is fanfreakingtastically amazing.
You may (or may not) have picked up on the fact that I keep journals for my blog notes -- mostly the quotes and whatnot that I've highlighted in the Kindle or not highlighted in the actual hard copy (because that's just criminal). I actually had to re-read the last half of The Deception because I was so caught up in what was going to happen next with Maud and Clem (and Russell .... oooooh Russell) that I couldn't even highlight.
It's that good.
I've read quite a few books about spiritualists. Some have been quite good; others haven't even been worth the time it would take to give a negative review on Goodreads, much less the time to put together a teaser graphic for the blog. Good enough to willingly lose sleep? I don't know if that's ever happened with this particular subject matter ... until Kim Taylor Blakemore's The Deception.
Okay, so I haven't been sleeping much or well anyway, but that's absolutely not the point.
The point is that this book is fanfreakingtastically amazing.
You may (or may not) have picked up on the fact that I keep journals for my blog notes -- mostly the quotes and whatnot that I've highlighted in the Kindle or not highlighted in the actual hard copy (because that's just criminal). I actually had to re-read the last half of The Deception because I was so caught up in what was going to happen next with Maud and Clem (and Russell .... oooooh Russell) that I couldn't even highlight.
It's that good.
June 2, 2022
I do like a good book about spiritualism, or how it's faked, and this is a very good book about it.
There's a slight war being waged between our two main characters, with Maud the mouse wanting it all to be true again, and Clem revelling in the trickery she designs.
I warmed to Clem immediately, she seemed a bit bad ass , with only one weak spot...
Turns out she's a lot more than that, and a whole lot darker.
A very entertaining book that has a very satisfying ending.
I enjoyed all the tricks and turns.
There's a slight war being waged between our two main characters, with Maud the mouse wanting it all to be true again, and Clem revelling in the trickery she designs.
I warmed to Clem immediately, she seemed a bit bad ass , with only one weak spot...
Turns out she's a lot more than that, and a whole lot darker.
A very entertaining book that has a very satisfying ending.
I enjoyed all the tricks and turns.
September 30, 2022
Maud Price, once known as The Maid of Light as a child medium, is struggling to make ends meet. Her faithful guiding spirit has left her, bills are piling up, and people don’t seem to remember her as a powerful medium in her own right. Clementine Watkins and Russel Sprague are a team that help with deceiving shows and using theater tricks to make people into believers again. They both move into Maud’s house under the guise of helping her become famous again. Once she starts having a full house with a waiting list, Maud starts feeling guilty for deceiving others that she once willingly helped truthfully. Now that someone threatens to expose her for being a fraud, accidents start happening, murder is covered up, and loyalties are tested…can Maud escape with her life and trust the spirits again with her medium abilities?
My thoughts:
First off, that ending! Nice! Loved the creepy, look over your shoulder, what’s going to happen next feel. This was a good story with interesting characters. I wonder about a certain someone’s mental stability and what happened with Harriet. I never liked Clem and Russell had his moments that I was ready to be done with him as well. I liked Rose and Maud for the most part. The author did a great job on describing everyone and building the world/scene.
My thoughts:
First off, that ending! Nice! Loved the creepy, look over your shoulder, what’s going to happen next feel. This was a good story with interesting characters. I wonder about a certain someone’s mental stability and what happened with Harriet. I never liked Clem and Russell had his moments that I was ready to be done with him as well. I liked Rose and Maud for the most part. The author did a great job on describing everyone and building the world/scene.
July 12, 2022
First of a huge thank you to the author Kim Taylor Blakemore and Lake Union Publishing for providing an e-ARC via NetGalley.
The Deception by Kim Taylor Blakemore is a mystery takes on the subject of Victorian Spiritualism. It’s quite obvious that the author definitely did her homework on the subject and in fact the acknowledgment at the back of the book contains a detailed explanation of not only the books she read but experts on the subject she met with. If only the details in the story were as detailed as the acknowledgment I might have enjoyed it a bit more and felt less like I was working to get through it.
The story of two women on both sides of the spiritualism divide(one a true believer and one who sees as a combination of showmanship and con jobs) has more than enough facets to keep you interested and the subject itself is so fascinating that it could provide plenty of meat for a truly lush story. The problem lies in being dropped in the middle of the action with zero explanations of the time, circumstances or even the relationships of the characters. It’s as if the author has lived with this story for so long she forgets her readers haven’t which leaves ones using the majority of their attention trying to understand the basics instead of focusing on the plot. The other problem is that unless the readers themselves have read up on the subject of spiritualism in the late 1800s, they are going to be confused at times as the author assumes that everyone is familiar with not just the terminology but how things like planchettes or spirit cabinets work.
The plot itself isn’t overly complicated and once it gets on its feet really starts to pick up speed after the first 150 pages. The main character Clementine is definitely the strongest written and has the clearest backstory although I’m still not quite sure what her motivations are to go to the extremes she did. I wish the characters of Maud and Russell were as fully written and we spent more time learning about them especially Maud who shoulders a large portion of the spiritualism plot on the side of true believer.
All in all The Deception is an interesting fictional tale with an easy straightforward writing style on a subject that often times gets lost in the weeds and a good starting out point for anyone with a passing interest or curiosity about spiritualism in the 1800s.
July 12, 2022
I was provided with a digital ARC of this book thanks to the publishing house, Lake Union Publishing, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
*2.5*
TW:
"The Deception" is a historical mystery set in the second half of the 1800s and it follows the Spiritualism movement that took place in those years.
This novel follows Maud, that when she was young was known as a great medium, with the name of "The Maid of Light". Now, as an adult, Maud seems to have lost her contact with the otherworld, and so she relies on Clementine, a woman who seems the answer to all of her problems, and with Clementine's lover, Russell.
This novel surely was good in setting the ambience, and the setting of the story. I liked the depiction of this particular matter that I never read about in other historical fiction novels, but sadly my interest started and ended there. I thought this book was quite slow, and it redeemed itself only in the end. The final chapters were very interesting and gripping, also quite spooky, a characteristic I searched in this book from the beginning, but I felt like did not deliver.
Also, I didn't really connect with any of the characters, that I found all to be quite unlikable. I think this was the intention, but I really did not like to read about them.
The "mystery" only took part in the final part of the book, and while the ending left me hooked and spooky it wasn't enough to redeem this novel.
Overall, I liked the writing style, so if you like historical fiction books with a gothic element, this could be the one for you. Sadly, it wasn't for me.
*2.5*
TW:
"The Deception" is a historical mystery set in the second half of the 1800s and it follows the Spiritualism movement that took place in those years.
This novel follows Maud, that when she was young was known as a great medium, with the name of "The Maid of Light". Now, as an adult, Maud seems to have lost her contact with the otherworld, and so she relies on Clementine, a woman who seems the answer to all of her problems, and with Clementine's lover, Russell.
This novel surely was good in setting the ambience, and the setting of the story. I liked the depiction of this particular matter that I never read about in other historical fiction novels, but sadly my interest started and ended there. I thought this book was quite slow, and it redeemed itself only in the end. The final chapters were very interesting and gripping, also quite spooky, a characteristic I searched in this book from the beginning, but I felt like did not deliver.
Also, I didn't really connect with any of the characters, that I found all to be quite unlikable. I think this was the intention, but I really did not like to read about them.
The "mystery" only took part in the final part of the book, and while the ending left me hooked and spooky it wasn't enough to redeem this novel.
Overall, I liked the writing style, so if you like historical fiction books with a gothic element, this could be the one for you. Sadly, it wasn't for me.
July 6, 2022
Delightfully wry as it is unsettling, THE DECEPTION had me turning pages at a blistering pace. Blakemore bewitches with her shrewd, incisive look at the Spiritualist movement and two down-on-their-luck heroines bound in an unlikely partnership. Teeming with intrigue, seething jealousies, and theatrical atmosphere. Absolutely impossible to put down!
Thanks to NetGalley, Lake Union, and the author for the Advance Review Copy in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley, Lake Union, and the author for the Advance Review Copy in exchange for my honest review.
September 23, 2022
**SOFT SPOILERS**
First, I want to thank the author, Kim Taylor Blakemore, for an Advanced Reader’s Copy (arc) of this book and the lovely packaging (and really cool tarot card) included with it.
I’ve enjoyed both of Kim Taylor Blakemore’s previous titles (The Companion and After Alice Fell), so it should come as no surprise to find that I was excited for her third release through Lake Union Publishing, The Deception. After all, it has a number of elements I highly enjoy; spirits, betrayal, 19th century seances, dual POVs, and murder. While I did enjoy the story very much, there were a few key things that kept me from giving this title five stars, only one of which has anything to do with Clementine Watkins.
Maud Price is a former child star, of sorts. With the stage name Maiden of Light, she used to speak to the dead and put the minds of their loved ones at peace. Unfortunately, when the story begins she’s lost her spirit guide, Matthias, and is one step away from the poorhouse. Enter Clementine Watkins, master illusionist, well known around the psychiclical circles as someone who can help out the medium in need and help make their wallets fat again. She’s been referred to Maud Price to see if she can help get her career back on track. It doesn’t take long for Clementine to see Maud’s potential. The problem is, Maud is the real deal and she wants nothing to do with Clem’s plans for committing fraud, no matter how many times Clem dresses it up as giving loved ones peace.
The tension between Maud and Clem is clear from the beginning, though it is born from a place of Maud’s resistance to commit fraud. However, as the story progresses and a man is thrown into the mix, the tension grows until it reaches a point none can turn back from.
What I like about the story is the expertly woven tension, the setting, and (of course) the paranormal touches, sparse as they are. Side characters are well fleshed out, and the story is engaging and interesting. If you’re like me, you will root for Maud. I wanted her to get her sight back and prove to everyone, especially Clem, that she was still the Maid of Light.
What I didn’t like was feeling lost and confused at times, especially during conversations and times of fast action. Blakemore doesn’t use a lot of dialogue tags/end tags, which I’m fine with. I actually prefer they be handled with a light touch. However, there are many instances when there are numerous people in the scene speaking, yet there are no dialogue tags or action used to denote who’s speaking. I do not like to be confused when reading fiction. I'm supposed to be good at this.
The only other thing I didn’t vibe with was Clementine. She went backwards in character. I know this is likely on purpose, and it is well done. However, I have a very difficult time liking characters who have no redeeming qualities. Clementine Watkins has no redeeming qualities. She isn’t sorry for the things she does or did. She is very focused on two things: money and herself. I get it, given her background, but I don’t like it and, as thus, do not like her.
At least I could root for one of them.
I definitely recommend this story if you enjoy historical fiction with intrigue, betrayal, and a teensy bit of murder. But be on guard. Not all characters are to be trusted.
First, I want to thank the author, Kim Taylor Blakemore, for an Advanced Reader’s Copy (arc) of this book and the lovely packaging (and really cool tarot card) included with it.
I’ve enjoyed both of Kim Taylor Blakemore’s previous titles (The Companion and After Alice Fell), so it should come as no surprise to find that I was excited for her third release through Lake Union Publishing, The Deception. After all, it has a number of elements I highly enjoy; spirits, betrayal, 19th century seances, dual POVs, and murder. While I did enjoy the story very much, there were a few key things that kept me from giving this title five stars, only one of which has anything to do with Clementine Watkins.
Maud Price is a former child star, of sorts. With the stage name Maiden of Light, she used to speak to the dead and put the minds of their loved ones at peace. Unfortunately, when the story begins she’s lost her spirit guide, Matthias, and is one step away from the poorhouse. Enter Clementine Watkins, master illusionist, well known around the psychiclical circles as someone who can help out the medium in need and help make their wallets fat again. She’s been referred to Maud Price to see if she can help get her career back on track. It doesn’t take long for Clementine to see Maud’s potential. The problem is, Maud is the real deal and she wants nothing to do with Clem’s plans for committing fraud, no matter how many times Clem dresses it up as giving loved ones peace.
The tension between Maud and Clem is clear from the beginning, though it is born from a place of Maud’s resistance to commit fraud. However, as the story progresses and a man is thrown into the mix, the tension grows until it reaches a point none can turn back from.
What I like about the story is the expertly woven tension, the setting, and (of course) the paranormal touches, sparse as they are. Side characters are well fleshed out, and the story is engaging and interesting. If you’re like me, you will root for Maud. I wanted her to get her sight back and prove to everyone, especially Clem, that she was still the Maid of Light.
What I didn’t like was feeling lost and confused at times, especially during conversations and times of fast action. Blakemore doesn’t use a lot of dialogue tags/end tags, which I’m fine with. I actually prefer they be handled with a light touch. However, there are many instances when there are numerous people in the scene speaking, yet there are no dialogue tags or action used to denote who’s speaking. I do not like to be confused when reading fiction. I'm supposed to be good at this.
The only other thing I didn’t vibe with was Clementine. She went backwards in character. I know this is likely on purpose, and it is well done. However, I have a very difficult time liking characters who have no redeeming qualities. Clementine Watkins has no redeeming qualities. She isn’t sorry for the things she does or did. She is very focused on two things: money and herself. I get it, given her background, but I don’t like it and, as thus, do not like her.
At least I could root for one of them.
I definitely recommend this story if you enjoy historical fiction with intrigue, betrayal, and a teensy bit of murder. But be on guard. Not all characters are to be trusted.
October 8, 2022
A new tale from Kim Taylor Blakemore! I first fell in love with her when I read her previous book 'The Companion' and I could not wait to get stuck into this new read.
This tale takes us down the murky path of spiritual mediumship, is it real or all a hoax? The read becomes even more obscure when a certain Clem enters the picture. Clem is a mastermind at the sleight of hand and even more accomplished with creating a believable environment for the hopeful and gullible.
The story is exciting and well-presented but I can't describe how much I disliked Clem. I keep hoping for her to be more to win me over but she and her partner and at times the main character herself just irritated me to no end. It was as if they were competing in who could be more deplorable.
That being said the author did well with this. they stuck in my head!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an E-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.,
This tale takes us down the murky path of spiritual mediumship, is it real or all a hoax? The read becomes even more obscure when a certain Clem enters the picture. Clem is a mastermind at the sleight of hand and even more accomplished with creating a believable environment for the hopeful and gullible.
The story is exciting and well-presented but I can't describe how much I disliked Clem. I keep hoping for her to be more to win me over but she and her partner and at times the main character herself just irritated me to no end. It was as if they were competing in who could be more deplorable.
That being said the author did well with this. they stuck in my head!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an E-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.,
September 11, 2022
The Deception is the latest release from Kim Taylor Blakemore and continues her tradition of writing about interesting female characters in a historical setting, in this case 1877 New Hampshire.
Maud Price was once famous as a child medium , the "Maid of Light" who could lift the veil between our world and the next but her spirit guide has deserted her and now she barely ekes out a hand to mouth existence. In desperation she reluctantly hires Clementine Watkins, a young woman known throughout spiritualist circles for her skilled trickery and utmost discretion about her employers. Soon Maud's reputation is on the upswing, with the bereaved flocking to her parlour for readings blithely unaware that the messages and gifts from their loved ones are down to Clementine's deceptions. Before long the guilt about these deceptions starts to eat away at Maud, and the discovery that someone is out to expose her as a fraud has her nerves frazzled even further. She is desperate to get out of Clementine's clutches, but this could be far more dangerous than she ever imagined. It seems that Clementine's past is not without a few secrets including some deadly ones. Eventually the relationship between the two women becomes a cat and mouse game, and only one of them will win.
This was a clever and intriguing tale, I loved the setting in the world of Victorian spiritualism and as I have come to expect from this author, the attention to historical detail was on point. The book starts slowly, drawing the reader into this world but by the midway point the tension is ratcheting up nicely, and that sense of tension continues until the (very satisfying) end of the book.
As with the author's previous books the characterisation is excellent, though I will say that Clementine is much more developed than Maud. I loved that the author played with our emotions as the story unfolded and we learned more about the characters and started to realise that all might not be as it seemed.
Overall this is a really enjoyable book and one that I would not hesitate to recommend to fans of historical fiction, particularly if they like their books with a bit of a gothic vibe,
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.
Maud Price was once famous as a child medium , the "Maid of Light" who could lift the veil between our world and the next but her spirit guide has deserted her and now she barely ekes out a hand to mouth existence. In desperation she reluctantly hires Clementine Watkins, a young woman known throughout spiritualist circles for her skilled trickery and utmost discretion about her employers. Soon Maud's reputation is on the upswing, with the bereaved flocking to her parlour for readings blithely unaware that the messages and gifts from their loved ones are down to Clementine's deceptions. Before long the guilt about these deceptions starts to eat away at Maud, and the discovery that someone is out to expose her as a fraud has her nerves frazzled even further. She is desperate to get out of Clementine's clutches, but this could be far more dangerous than she ever imagined. It seems that Clementine's past is not without a few secrets including some deadly ones. Eventually the relationship between the two women becomes a cat and mouse game, and only one of them will win.
This was a clever and intriguing tale, I loved the setting in the world of Victorian spiritualism and as I have come to expect from this author, the attention to historical detail was on point. The book starts slowly, drawing the reader into this world but by the midway point the tension is ratcheting up nicely, and that sense of tension continues until the (very satisfying) end of the book.
As with the author's previous books the characterisation is excellent, though I will say that Clementine is much more developed than Maud. I loved that the author played with our emotions as the story unfolded and we learned more about the characters and started to realise that all might not be as it seemed.
Overall this is a really enjoyable book and one that I would not hesitate to recommend to fans of historical fiction, particularly if they like their books with a bit of a gothic vibe,
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.
September 17, 2022
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Kim Taylor Blakemore for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for The Deception coming out September 27, 2022. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Maud Price grew up in New Hampshire as a famous child medium. She opens the veil between the living and the dead relatives and friends.
Now in 1877, Maud is nearly penniless and her gift is gone. She is desperate to make money and get her reputation back, but doing so would mean deceiving others.
In walks Clementine Watkins who is known in the spiritualist world for tricking others. She creates parlor room theatrics that make people think they’re really speaking to their loved ones. Maud’s regains her fame, but it comes with a cost. Her guilt is great and others threaten to call them out as frauds.
The last straw comes when the deception leads to a possible murder. Maud knows she’s playing a dangerous game. Will she stand up to Clementine and return to the light or will she remain in the darkness they’ve created?
I loved this book so much! Spiritualism during the Victorian Era is a subject that fascinates me. It’s sad to think people were tricked out of their money because they wanted to be connected to their loved ones who died. But there’s also so much creepiness to it. It’s like what if it really was real and they did commune with the dead? It all just makes for an awesome horror/mystery book. I loved Maud’s character. She and Clementine were a perfect foil of each other. The ending was so good. I loved it!
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys historical mysteries about communing with the dead!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Maud Price grew up in New Hampshire as a famous child medium. She opens the veil between the living and the dead relatives and friends.
Now in 1877, Maud is nearly penniless and her gift is gone. She is desperate to make money and get her reputation back, but doing so would mean deceiving others.
In walks Clementine Watkins who is known in the spiritualist world for tricking others. She creates parlor room theatrics that make people think they’re really speaking to their loved ones. Maud’s regains her fame, but it comes with a cost. Her guilt is great and others threaten to call them out as frauds.
The last straw comes when the deception leads to a possible murder. Maud knows she’s playing a dangerous game. Will she stand up to Clementine and return to the light or will she remain in the darkness they’ve created?
I loved this book so much! Spiritualism during the Victorian Era is a subject that fascinates me. It’s sad to think people were tricked out of their money because they wanted to be connected to their loved ones who died. But there’s also so much creepiness to it. It’s like what if it really was real and they did commune with the dead? It all just makes for an awesome horror/mystery book. I loved Maud’s character. She and Clementine were a perfect foil of each other. The ending was so good. I loved it!
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys historical mysteries about communing with the dead!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 27, 2023
The synopsis of this book truly had me fooled. I thought this was going to be an atmospheric and mysterious read but I was just met with a boring story that, in my opinion, lacked direction.
I enjoyed nothing about this story. I didn’t feel like it was well structured and it wasn’t engaging in the least. Most of the characters were unlikeable. One of them was particularly unlikeable and it didn’t matter that the author tried to explain why she was mean and awful, she was a bad person with not one redeeming quality and I truly disliked reading from her point of view.
Although I found the ending to be rushed, it was the only part I enjoyed of this book, solely because that horrid character got what she deserved.
After this experience, I must admit I have no interest in reading anything else from this author.
I enjoyed nothing about this story. I didn’t feel like it was well structured and it wasn’t engaging in the least. Most of the characters were unlikeable. One of them was particularly unlikeable and it didn’t matter that the author tried to explain why she was mean and awful, she was a bad person with not one redeeming quality and I truly disliked reading from her point of view.
Although I found the ending to be rushed, it was the only part I enjoyed of this book, solely because that horrid character got what she deserved.
After this experience, I must admit I have no interest in reading anything else from this author.
October 3, 2022
This was an interesting historical fiction from the 1800s about a once popular child medium, Maud Price, who loses her ability to see and talk to her spirits. She is not a fake, but when her spirits fail her, she turns to Clementine who is known for helping other mediums fill their seats with believers. This will take you through all the tricks and theatrics that went on behind the scenes at sittings but also includes some haunting spirits and a little bit of murder/mystery to keep you glued to the end. I found the dialogue to be smart and charming and I really enjoyed this new take on a historical fiction novel. This is not a scary read, so those of you who can’t handle the spookier reads, this one would be perfect for you!
November 4, 2022
I found this book somewhat hard to follow but overall enjoyed the story. At first I found myself rooting for Clem, but as the story goes on that quickly shifts to being on Maud’s side. I think I would have done better if I was reading a physical book and not on the kindle but overall happy to have won this through a Goodreads giveaway!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2022
The Deception is a historical fiction with gothic elements, based around the spiritualist movement of the 1870s. The narrative unfolds in split perspective, with each chapter alternating between the two protagonists; Maud Price, once a celebrated child medium whose spirit guides have since deserted her, and Clementine Watkins, an enterprising non-believer who promises to restore Maud's fame by any means necessary. Of the two, Clem's character is more fleshed out, with a clearer backstory and more obvious motivations, which made her instantly more likeable to me, even though it was clear from the outset that she was the 'villain' of the story.
The story itself is a bit of a slow burn, with much of the first half of the book spent scene-setting and character building, which meant that the drama was backloaded and it took a while for the action to really start - this was fine for me, as I was engaged enough with the characters to remain interested, but if you like action from the first page, this might not be for you. There were a few sections/pieces of dialogue I needed to reread to ensure my understanding, as it was sometimes a little unclear who was speaking, however, I did read an uncorrected proof copy, so there's every chance these little niggles will have been rectified for the final version, and it didn't impact my enjoyment overall. There were enough hints and misdirections scattered throughout the story for me to have formed a number of theories about how it would play out - all of which were incorrect! I was pleasantly surprised to have the final events come as a complete shock and appreciated the fact that the suspense and deception continued right up to the last page.
I would recommend The Deception to fans of gothic and historical fiction, strong female leads and spirituality/mediumship, and will personally look out for other work from this author.
Many thanks to Kim Taylor Blakemore, Lake Union Publishing, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
The story itself is a bit of a slow burn, with much of the first half of the book spent scene-setting and character building, which meant that the drama was backloaded and it took a while for the action to really start - this was fine for me, as I was engaged enough with the characters to remain interested, but if you like action from the first page, this might not be for you. There were a few sections/pieces of dialogue I needed to reread to ensure my understanding, as it was sometimes a little unclear who was speaking, however, I did read an uncorrected proof copy, so there's every chance these little niggles will have been rectified for the final version, and it didn't impact my enjoyment overall. There were enough hints and misdirections scattered throughout the story for me to have formed a number of theories about how it would play out - all of which were incorrect! I was pleasantly surprised to have the final events come as a complete shock and appreciated the fact that the suspense and deception continued right up to the last page.
I would recommend The Deception to fans of gothic and historical fiction, strong female leads and spirituality/mediumship, and will personally look out for other work from this author.
Many thanks to Kim Taylor Blakemore, Lake Union Publishing, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
October 25, 2022
Mesmerizing perfection for the spooky season! I loved this dark, twisty tale diving into the world of psychic mediums in Victorian times. The characters are layered and intriguing, from compelling, dangerous Clementine to charming, mercurial Russell and conflicted Maud.
Clem and Russell have allied in their business and personal lives to assist false mediums in fooling people during seances. But is Maud “the real thing?” Disconnected from her spirit guide, she has turned to the duo in desperation, not realizing how they will manipulate and control every aspect of her life.
A thoroughly gripping story, threading strong historical research with mystery and suspense. Thanks to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing an ARC.
Clem and Russell have allied in their business and personal lives to assist false mediums in fooling people during seances. But is Maud “the real thing?” Disconnected from her spirit guide, she has turned to the duo in desperation, not realizing how they will manipulate and control every aspect of her life.
A thoroughly gripping story, threading strong historical research with mystery and suspense. Thanks to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing an ARC.
August 14, 2022
Mediums, mystery and murder
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher, Lake Union Publishing for a digital ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily.
The Deception opens with Maud Price, a medium once of some renown, writing to Clementine (Clem) Watkins, asking for help because Maud's guardian spirit (Matthias) has become unreliable. Clem agrees to help.
With a title like The Deception', one can be under no illusions as to what sort of help Clem, assisted by her partner Russell, provides to Maud. As the stakes rise in the story, it becomes clear that not everyone who goes to a medium is seeking to speak to the dead, and Maud is increasingly in danger.
Indeed there are many layers of deception in the novel: the spiritualist movement, being an actor and playing a role, motivations for seeking a medium, how one dresses, who one loves and so on.
I was really intrigued by the opening of The Deception, but overall the book did not live up to the promise of the premise.
I suppose I had imagined that there would be more paranormal or occult elements in the story. I think the author could have made more of that theme, and it would have helped to 'up' the tension, especially when it came to discovering information about the murderer later in the book.
Another element I thought I saw hints of but which didn't materialise into a plot element was some attraction between Maud and Clem. There were moments of touch and looks between them: "..She crouched in front of Maud, resting her hand on Maud's knee. It was heavy and warm, and Maud did not throw it off....". I thought this aspect would become more significant in the story, but nothing further came of it.
I was often left doubting when and where this book took place. Sometimes, the language seemed out of place and took me right out of the story. I am neither North American nor an expert on the language used in the 1870s, but some of it just seemed wrong: 'bum' for bottom, 'nicked' for stolen, 'cold as a witch's tit' for the weather (!). That sounds more like British slang in the present era than 1870s New Hampshire. I did some cursory research on the etymology, and 'nicked' meaning stolen, only came into use in 1869 and 'colder than a witch's tit' has its first recorded use in the 1930s. Whether the language was or was not appropriate in the 1870s, it didn't evoke an 1870s feel for me.
Moving on to the story's climax, I felt the author built up the tension nicely. Still, I think she could have sustained it for longer. I found the overall ending disappointing because we are left with no definite conclusion.
Overall I gave this 3 out of 5. It was an okay read. It would perhaps interest readers of Susan Hill or Sarah Waters.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher, Lake Union Publishing for a digital ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily.
The Deception opens with Maud Price, a medium once of some renown, writing to Clementine (Clem) Watkins, asking for help because Maud's guardian spirit (Matthias) has become unreliable. Clem agrees to help.
With a title like The Deception', one can be under no illusions as to what sort of help Clem, assisted by her partner Russell, provides to Maud. As the stakes rise in the story, it becomes clear that not everyone who goes to a medium is seeking to speak to the dead, and Maud is increasingly in danger.
Indeed there are many layers of deception in the novel: the spiritualist movement, being an actor and playing a role, motivations for seeking a medium, how one dresses, who one loves and so on.
I was really intrigued by the opening of The Deception, but overall the book did not live up to the promise of the premise.
I suppose I had imagined that there would be more paranormal or occult elements in the story. I think the author could have made more of that theme, and it would have helped to 'up' the tension, especially when it came to discovering information about the murderer later in the book.
Another element I thought I saw hints of but which didn't materialise into a plot element was some attraction between Maud and Clem. There were moments of touch and looks between them: "..She crouched in front of Maud, resting her hand on Maud's knee. It was heavy and warm, and Maud did not throw it off....". I thought this aspect would become more significant in the story, but nothing further came of it.
I was often left doubting when and where this book took place. Sometimes, the language seemed out of place and took me right out of the story. I am neither North American nor an expert on the language used in the 1870s, but some of it just seemed wrong: 'bum' for bottom, 'nicked' for stolen, 'cold as a witch's tit' for the weather (!). That sounds more like British slang in the present era than 1870s New Hampshire. I did some cursory research on the etymology, and 'nicked' meaning stolen, only came into use in 1869 and 'colder than a witch's tit' has its first recorded use in the 1930s. Whether the language was or was not appropriate in the 1870s, it didn't evoke an 1870s feel for me.
Moving on to the story's climax, I felt the author built up the tension nicely. Still, I think she could have sustained it for longer. I found the overall ending disappointing because we are left with no definite conclusion.
Overall I gave this 3 out of 5. It was an okay read. It would perhaps interest readers of Susan Hill or Sarah Waters.
December 10, 2022
The Deception, a novel by Kim Taylor Blakemore, is set roughly a decade after the conclusion of the American Civil War and uses the backdrop of the rise of spiritualism as a setting for the novel. The narration takes turns between the viewpoint of Maud, a medium who is the genuine article and having difficulty communicating with her spirits, and Clem, a woman who sees a way to make money over a grieving and trusting populace by using flash and gimmicks and will do anything to maintain her control over Maud. The 19th century (specifically the mid to late 19th century) is the time period that holds my interest the most, and I have always found spiritualism and just supernatural things in general to be utterly fascinating, so this book was definitely appealing to me.
The tale moves slow at first and then rapidly, and the reader will be swept up in wishing to see Maud get her powers back and for Clem to get her comeuppance. The last few chapters especially will keep one turning the pages as quick as they can to see what will happen next.
Some thoughts of note:
-I liked the comparisons and parallels made in the book. Maud to her automaton counterpart Amandine. Maud is forced to be little more than a doll or a marionette to those around her who wish to exploit her for financial gain. Clem and Maud's father (William Marcus), where she literally takes over his rooms, uses his clothing, and assumes the role he previously held in regard to his daughter and the way he marketed and utilised her talent.
-Clem was SO desperately unlikable. Blackmailing people, mocking the dead and those who grieve them, stealing, stealing from CORPSES, murdering both an adult and a child, being cruel to an animal, using people's sorrow for financial gain...the list surely goes on. I understand that was the point, that she was an awful, awful person, but some people might be truly turned off by how nasty she is and how she...doesn't really get her just desserts from both the light jail sentence as well as the end where she threatens Maud in a letter that she'll bust up her happy life. Kudos to the author for making her just a completely repellant and unredeemable monster, though. You so rarely see that in general, and it's usually male characters that take up the mantle.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The tale moves slow at first and then rapidly, and the reader will be swept up in wishing to see Maud get her powers back and for Clem to get her comeuppance. The last few chapters especially will keep one turning the pages as quick as they can to see what will happen next.
Some thoughts of note:
-I liked the comparisons and parallels made in the book. Maud to her automaton counterpart Amandine. Maud is forced to be little more than a doll or a marionette to those around her who wish to exploit her for financial gain. Clem and Maud's father (William Marcus), where she literally takes over his rooms, uses his clothing, and assumes the role he previously held in regard to his daughter and the way he marketed and utilised her talent.
-Clem was SO desperately unlikable. Blackmailing people, mocking the dead and those who grieve them, stealing, stealing from CORPSES, murdering both an adult and a child, being cruel to an animal, using people's sorrow for financial gain...the list surely goes on. I understand that was the point, that she was an awful, awful person, but some people might be truly turned off by how nasty she is and how she...doesn't really get her just desserts from both the light jail sentence as well as the end where she threatens Maud in a letter that she'll bust up her happy life. Kudos to the author for making her just a completely repellant and unredeemable monster, though. You so rarely see that in general, and it's usually male characters that take up the mantle.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2022
I received an e-ARC version of this book from NetGalley and the publisher.
“The Deception” by Kim Taylor Blakemore is a historical fiction book focusing on the world of spiritualism back in the 1870s. For those not in the know, after the Civil War, where so many US lives were lost, spiritualism - or talking to the spirits of the dead - was a large “thing.” Some people, such as one of our main characters Maud, really did hear spirits. Others, such as our other main character Clem, knew how to trick people into thinking spirits were around them. Ms. Blakemore has done her research into this arena and her Author’s Note has a wide swath of books and literature about spiritualism. [My own (limited) “knowledge” of this arena comes from “Confessions of Madame Psyche” by Dorothy Bryant.]
What I liked was the tension between Maud and Clem. Maud seemed someone to pity opposed to dislike. Clem knew how to “bring ‘em in,” but when push came to shove, she was basically always in for number one - herself. I liked how the spiritualism tricks were explained and must admit to being a bit curious about Clem’s “fire in the palm” trick. I’m not sure in the end that either character found peace with their lives, but the tension between them worked very nicely on the page. I didn’t really like the backstory of Clem - at times it worked to explain why Clem was who she was but the part about the murder (meaning all the backstory) felt a bit too “the stars aligned” for me. I enjoyed the writing style and the story I did find interesting.
“The Deception” by Kim Taylor Blakemore is a historical fiction book focusing on the world of spiritualism back in the 1870s. For those not in the know, after the Civil War, where so many US lives were lost, spiritualism - or talking to the spirits of the dead - was a large “thing.” Some people, such as one of our main characters Maud, really did hear spirits. Others, such as our other main character Clem, knew how to trick people into thinking spirits were around them. Ms. Blakemore has done her research into this arena and her Author’s Note has a wide swath of books and literature about spiritualism. [My own (limited) “knowledge” of this arena comes from “Confessions of Madame Psyche” by Dorothy Bryant.]
What I liked was the tension between Maud and Clem. Maud seemed someone to pity opposed to dislike. Clem knew how to “bring ‘em in,” but when push came to shove, she was basically always in for number one - herself. I liked how the spiritualism tricks were explained and must admit to being a bit curious about Clem’s “fire in the palm” trick. I’m not sure in the end that either character found peace with their lives, but the tension between them worked very nicely on the page. I didn’t really like the backstory of Clem - at times it worked to explain why Clem was who she was but the part about the murder (meaning all the backstory) felt a bit too “the stars aligned” for me. I enjoyed the writing style and the story I did find interesting.
March 29, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the eARC of this book! This review will contain some spoilers, but they will be fairly vague.
When I read the synopsis for The Deception, I thought it sounded really interesting. While there were parts that I enjoyed, this book just didn’t live up to my expectations, so I gave it three stars. I didn’t love it, but I didn’t hate it; it was just in the middle.
I’ll go through the notes one by one. First, the pacing. The book felt slow at the start, and it felt like I read half a book about scamming people with fake ghosts before anything mentioned in the synopsis actually happened. Once the murders did get started, the book’s pacing sped up so much that the end felt like it had so much crammed into it that there were sudden character changes and huge decisions made off page. After spending so much time going through each specific technique to fake a ghost, only to skip a lot of character development, it really threw the pacing off.
While this book was an interesting look into fame, greed, and their ability to drive people to extremes, the pacing issues really took away from that. The start of the book was all about how careful Clementine was about making sure no one caught onto what she was doing and controlling what everyone around her was doing to her, just murdering people in broad daylight within a few chapters. It seemed so sudden, just like Maud’s sudden career change right at the end.
The commitment to historical accuracy was impressive, and the book felt like a lot of time had gone into researching seances and spiritualists in the 1870s, which I enjoyed. However, I was thrown off by how easily one person got taken out by a poker to the head while someone else survived being pushed off a cliff. Maybe I missed a detail but there were just some things that took me out of the book completely.
The ending did feel like it was setting up for a second book, but I’m not sure if that’s going to happen or if it’s just a book that ends with a cliffhanger. Either way, I doubt I’ll be reading it. This book did make me want to read more historical fiction, which was nice.
To wrap up, this book was fine. I was a little disappointed that this book didn’t live up to my expectations, and I wasn’t a fan of the pacing, I enjoyed the setting and the premise. Once I got into the book, and the murder happened, I was flying through this book, but it took a lot to get through the first section. It fell pretty much in the middle rating-wise, so I don’t have a lot of strong opinions about it either way. I don’t think it was a waste of time to read, and it’s probably the book for someone else. I don’t regret reading it, either way.
When I read the synopsis for The Deception, I thought it sounded really interesting. While there were parts that I enjoyed, this book just didn’t live up to my expectations, so I gave it three stars. I didn’t love it, but I didn’t hate it; it was just in the middle.
I’ll go through the notes one by one. First, the pacing. The book felt slow at the start, and it felt like I read half a book about scamming people with fake ghosts before anything mentioned in the synopsis actually happened. Once the murders did get started, the book’s pacing sped up so much that the end felt like it had so much crammed into it that there were sudden character changes and huge decisions made off page. After spending so much time going through each specific technique to fake a ghost, only to skip a lot of character development, it really threw the pacing off.
While this book was an interesting look into fame, greed, and their ability to drive people to extremes, the pacing issues really took away from that. The start of the book was all about how careful Clementine was about making sure no one caught onto what she was doing and controlling what everyone around her was doing to her, just murdering people in broad daylight within a few chapters. It seemed so sudden, just like Maud’s sudden career change right at the end.
The commitment to historical accuracy was impressive, and the book felt like a lot of time had gone into researching seances and spiritualists in the 1870s, which I enjoyed. However, I was thrown off by how easily one person got taken out by a poker to the head while someone else survived being pushed off a cliff. Maybe I missed a detail but there were just some things that took me out of the book completely.
The ending did feel like it was setting up for a second book, but I’m not sure if that’s going to happen or if it’s just a book that ends with a cliffhanger. Either way, I doubt I’ll be reading it. This book did make me want to read more historical fiction, which was nice.
To wrap up, this book was fine. I was a little disappointed that this book didn’t live up to my expectations, and I wasn’t a fan of the pacing, I enjoyed the setting and the premise. Once I got into the book, and the murder happened, I was flying through this book, but it took a lot to get through the first section. It fell pretty much in the middle rating-wise, so I don’t have a lot of strong opinions about it either way. I don’t think it was a waste of time to read, and it’s probably the book for someone else. I don’t regret reading it, either way.
October 11, 2022
Do you believe in mediums, spiritualists, ghosts, people who can speak to the dead? Or do you think it is all a hoax? Kim Taylor Blakemore weaves a mystical tale of a child medium who has lost her way and the lengths she will go to be able to talk to the dead once again. She reaches out to a fellow medium for help, and she sends her Clem Watkins. A young woman who is determined to bulldoze her way into Maud's life in order to make a dime. Maud does not want to be known as a liar, but she is one step away from the poor house. Desperate and with little options she signs a contract with Clem and her friend Russel. Who take over every aspect of her life. They move in, create elaborate ruses to fill her parlor with paying customers. Maud is still not fully on board and is determined to be able to speak to the dead once more. Is it too late? Has she allowed Clem too much power with her life?
Blakemore will slowly peel back the veil into Maud and Clem's lives. This background gives you so much more depth and understanding of the two young women. The details and descriptions will leave you feeling the bone chilling cold as you wrap yourself in a blanket. You will visualize the house and hear the crazy acoustics that allow for Clem to create sensational contact between the living and the dead. The jealousy that is sparked between the two women when Russell turns his eye to one or the other. I want to thank Kim Taylor Blakemore for gifting me her highly suspenseful book. It is a perfect spooky season read!
Blakemore will slowly peel back the veil into Maud and Clem's lives. This background gives you so much more depth and understanding of the two young women. The details and descriptions will leave you feeling the bone chilling cold as you wrap yourself in a blanket. You will visualize the house and hear the crazy acoustics that allow for Clem to create sensational contact between the living and the dead. The jealousy that is sparked between the two women when Russell turns his eye to one or the other. I want to thank Kim Taylor Blakemore for gifting me her highly suspenseful book. It is a perfect spooky season read!
June 13, 2022
3.5/5 stars
I recieved this book as an ARC from netgalley and the publisher
Set during the spiritualism craze in America in the 1800s the book follows Maud Price, a real medium who has been contacting spirits since she was a child. When she finds herself losing her powers and in a lot of debt she turns to Clementine Watkins, a woman who specializes in conjuring ghosts and spirits with tricks and mechanical inventions. But soon both women will come to be at odds when someone seems to be onto their hoax.
I found the premise of this book to be interesting and different from anything else I've read and I did enjoy the book. The two alternate POVs were a great way to tell the main story and the individual stories of the two main characters. I do think that the pacing could have been tightened up a little bit, specifically in the first third of the book. The setting up of the world and the characters took quite a lot and slowed down the pace. Once the action picked up a bit the book became far more enjoyable.
There were these scenes that confused me a bit, when suddenly the characters think back on events that happened where it seemed like the narration jumped and it left me feeling disoriented. Hence why I'm giving this 3.5 stars and not rounding it up.
Overall an enjoyable book. I'd recommend this to anyone interested in the spiritualism trade and how cons work.
I recieved this book as an ARC from netgalley and the publisher
Set during the spiritualism craze in America in the 1800s the book follows Maud Price, a real medium who has been contacting spirits since she was a child. When she finds herself losing her powers and in a lot of debt she turns to Clementine Watkins, a woman who specializes in conjuring ghosts and spirits with tricks and mechanical inventions. But soon both women will come to be at odds when someone seems to be onto their hoax.
I found the premise of this book to be interesting and different from anything else I've read and I did enjoy the book. The two alternate POVs were a great way to tell the main story and the individual stories of the two main characters. I do think that the pacing could have been tightened up a little bit, specifically in the first third of the book. The setting up of the world and the characters took quite a lot and slowed down the pace. Once the action picked up a bit the book became far more enjoyable.
There were these scenes that confused me a bit, when suddenly the characters think back on events that happened where it seemed like the narration jumped and it left me feeling disoriented. Hence why I'm giving this 3.5 stars and not rounding it up.
Overall an enjoyable book. I'd recommend this to anyone interested in the spiritualism trade and how cons work.
December 18, 2022
I read and enjoyed Blakemore’s Companion some time ago, so I figured I’ll check this one out. Plus, I’m quite partial to stories about seances, mediums (fraud of all creative sorts really) and all that. It’s one of those things where it’s fun if it’s real and fun if it isn’t.
Or, as is the case in this book, if you’re not quite sure either way.
Because you know, it’s all about Deception.
So, here we have Maud, a child-sensation with some apparently genuine powers who had been much reduced in circumstances since and Clementine, a con artist/Svengali who decides to restore Maud back to fame and fortune…for a generous cut of the profits. And completing the triangle, is Russell, Clem’s charming flirtatious paramour.
Together the three are locked in a complicated alliance that is simply bound to end in a manner unsatisfactory to at least one of them.
That’s the story, and right until it’s very fun ending slice, it’s such a fun read.
Blakemore’s got a very natural way of writing, the book reads like a charm. Not only is it thoroughly researched to recreate a bygone era and zeitgeist, but the characters themselves are so well-realized that they come to life in technicolor and with snappy realistic dialogue to boot.
All in all, very entertaining. Not as good as Companion in this reviewer’s opinion, but still very much worth a read. Certainly more impressive than its cover. Recommended for fans of historical fiction. Thanks Netgalley.
Or, as is the case in this book, if you’re not quite sure either way.
Because you know, it’s all about Deception.
So, here we have Maud, a child-sensation with some apparently genuine powers who had been much reduced in circumstances since and Clementine, a con artist/Svengali who decides to restore Maud back to fame and fortune…for a generous cut of the profits. And completing the triangle, is Russell, Clem’s charming flirtatious paramour.
Together the three are locked in a complicated alliance that is simply bound to end in a manner unsatisfactory to at least one of them.
That’s the story, and right until it’s very fun ending slice, it’s such a fun read.
Blakemore’s got a very natural way of writing, the book reads like a charm. Not only is it thoroughly researched to recreate a bygone era and zeitgeist, but the characters themselves are so well-realized that they come to life in technicolor and with snappy realistic dialogue to boot.
All in all, very entertaining. Not as good as Companion in this reviewer’s opinion, but still very much worth a read. Certainly more impressive than its cover. Recommended for fans of historical fiction. Thanks Netgalley.
August 10, 2023
What I know about spiritualism could be written on the back of a postage stamp. Is it real or an act? If you don’t have an answer now, you probably still won’t after reading The Deception. This is an enigma of a book. On the one hand, it’s an easy read. On the other, there’s much I didn’t get – and I’m not just talking about the spiritualist terms I had to look up.
Points of view change constantly. The chapters appear to alternate between Maud and Clem, but there’s a third perspective as well; that of Russell who arrives on scene as Clem’s partner in crime but who exits as… something else.
There are plenty of subtle twists to the plot, about which I won’t speak further because that would give things away. Then there’s the ending, which took my breath away and left me with me more questions than answers. And that’s the crux of my problem with The Deception. Sure, I don’t always expect every question in a novel to be answered and everything neatly wrapped up, but I felt there were more loose ends than necessary. I enjoyed the book, despite not understanding much about spiritualism or the tricks, but I wish it had been meatier with some deeper introspection; I would’ve loved to have discovered Clem’s full background, for example.
Disclaimer: Although I received an electronic copy of this book from the publisher, the opinions above are my own.
Points of view change constantly. The chapters appear to alternate between Maud and Clem, but there’s a third perspective as well; that of Russell who arrives on scene as Clem’s partner in crime but who exits as… something else.
There are plenty of subtle twists to the plot, about which I won’t speak further because that would give things away. Then there’s the ending, which took my breath away and left me with me more questions than answers. And that’s the crux of my problem with The Deception. Sure, I don’t always expect every question in a novel to be answered and everything neatly wrapped up, but I felt there were more loose ends than necessary. I enjoyed the book, despite not understanding much about spiritualism or the tricks, but I wish it had been meatier with some deeper introspection; I would’ve loved to have discovered Clem’s full background, for example.
Disclaimer: Although I received an electronic copy of this book from the publisher, the opinions above are my own.
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