A September 2026 LibraryReads Pick
“A wild ride. Vivid and exhilarating, with a breathtaking twist, An Immaculate Deception is a stunning debut.”— Shen Tao, author of The Poet Empress
“An absolute triumph of a debut novel, An Immaculate Deception weaves together the finest elements of classic Gothic horror with pulse-pounding suspense, scrumptious prose, and the feverish atmosphere of 1870s Brazil. Alluring, eerie, and impossible to put down, this book consumed me completely. And the twist left me reeling!”—Carolina Flórez-Cerchiaro, author of Bochica
“With delicious prose, simmering atmosphere, and an expertly crafted twist that will shake you to your core, An Immaculate Deception reveals Isabela Livino as an emerging force to be reckoned with in the Gothic Horror genre. This captivating tale of warped love, religious fear, and deadly secrets hooks its claws into you from the first page, dragging you along through Madalena’s plight towards a dark and dizzying end that will leave readers gasping for breath. Completely unforgettable, this is a book that will stay with you long after you’ve put it down, certain to haunt your dreams and creep into your waking thoughts.”—Dorian Ravenscroft, author of the forthcoming The White North Has Thy Bones
“Livino creates a strong sense of time and place with meticulously researched detail on everyday life supplementing the weirdness. It is a powerful story, well-told, with all the uncanny atmosphere of a Gothic tale but providing a new exploration of female independence in a society dominated by powerful men and religion. Perhaps not so very different to those original Gothic novels. Highly recommended.”—Historical Novel Society
“An incredible and immersive read!”—The Gloss
