The Mesmerist

An NPR Best Book of 2024

“Immersive and compelling . . . The Mesmerist will linger long after you turn the last page.” —NPR

“Braiding spiritualism with sexism, this historical novel will chill you to the bone.” –The Boston Globe

“History and imagination merge in The Mesmerist” —The Minneapolis Star Tribune

“Caroline Woods is a masterful storyteller. You will be on the edge of your seat as you read the story of Faith, Abby and May as they set out to solve a murder in nineteenth-century Minneapolis. Unforgettable characters set in a time of dark history is haunting, atmospheric and thrilling. True crime junkies and historical fiction fanatics, this fabulous read is for you!” –Adriana Trigiani, New York Times bestselling author of The Good Left Undone

“The magic of The Mesmerist is not only found in the spiritualism that haunts every page, but also the three tenacious women at its core, dedicated to unmasking America’s first serial killer. With expert skill, Woods turns the screw, ratcheting up the real danger and the contemporary panic around women’s independence. A darkly textured, delicious read.” –Katy Hays, New York Times bestselling author of The Cloisters

“A mystery, a page turner, and a glimpse of true crime in nineteenth-century Minneapolis, The Mesmerist is both entertaining and enlightening. It’s a compelling story of murder, deception, unwed mothers, and the steadfast women dedicated to helping them. Beautifully rendered characters and excellent storytelling.” –Allegra Goodman, New York Times bestselling author of Sam

“The Mesmerist nimbly explores the power of women’s solidarity in fin-de-siècle Minneapolis, weaving dark magic and peril into a propulsive and chilling read. Clever, atmospheric and haunting.” —Michelle Min Sterling, New York Times bestselling author of Camp Zero

“Based on the real-life journals of Abby Mendenhall, The Mesmerist is part mystery, part exploration of lives of young women on the margins in the Gilded Age, prey to men who will use and abuse them. It’s mesmerizing. Put it at the top of your TBR list.” —The Pioneer Press

“Excellent . . . Fastidious historical detail, expert suspense, andindelible characterizations combine to make this acertifi ed page-turner. Readers will be up all night.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

“A jewel box of a historical novel, Caroline Woods’ The Mesmerist draws the reader into a richly detailed story of women forced to make their own way in a world that would really prefer they didn’t. With bare-faced, beautiful honesty, The Mesmerist navigates the complexities and intimacies of womens’ lives outside of polite society, all with a deliciously sinister undercurrent of mystery.” –Claudia Cravens, bestselling author of Lucky Red

“The Mesmerist . . . entrances and intrigues with its thrilling mix of fact and fiction. . . Discerning readers will detect what Woods does so well, which is to complicate simple female archetypes–such as the crone, the mother, and the harlot–by having characters occupy many of these roles simultaneously or move between them fluidly. While relationships with men propel the novel, the relationships women form with each other are front and center.” —Shelf Awareness

“Riveting. . . . A good, timely choice for discussion on women’s bodily autonomy and the ability to live independently from a man’s control.” –Booklist

“This historical crime novel, based loosely on actual events, is intricate and intelligently written and proceeds through its pages with increasing suspense and tension. . . Recommended.” –The Historical Novel Society

“Caroline Woods exposes the plight of Victorian women and transforms history into an intricately plotted mystery in The Mesmerist.” —BookPage

“A super smart thriller set in a past that feels too close for comfort and reminds us just how terrifying real women’s lives could be.” –Kirsten Miller, author of The Change

“The trust that ebbs and flows among the characters is this novel’s strength. . . . . An atmospheric turn through a real-life 19th-century scandal.” —Kirkus

“Caroline Woods, known for the historical novels The Lunar Housewife and Fräulein M., has created something magical with The Mesmerist.” —The Big Thrill

“Fascinating” —BookRiot

“A dark mystery, a nervous thriller . . . I exulted in it.” –Delaplaine Magazine