A Dreadful Splendor: A Novel

INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER • WINNER OF THE MARY HIGGINS CLARK AWARD

“A spooky gothic romance with impeccable vibes. I loved this!” — Erin Sterling, New York Times bestselling author of The Ex Hex

Agatha Christie meets Bridgerton in this wickedly whimsical Gothic murder mystery bubbling with spooky thrills, gaslamp fantasy, and romance, about a fake spiritualist who is hired to perform a séance for a bride who died the eve of her wedding—but as secrets unravel, the line between hoax and haunting blurs.

Be careful what you conjure...

In Victorian London, Genevieve Timmons poses as a spiritualist to swindle wealthy mourners—until a failed con lands her in jail. Then a stranger appears with a peculiar offer for the historical mystery: a nobleman, Mr. Pemberton, has lost his beautiful fiancée under tragic and mysterious circumstances. If Genevieve can convince him that his beloved rests in peace, she’ll earn her freedom.

But Mr. Pemberton is not the brokenhearted romantic she imagined. The surly—and undeniably handsome—young lord barely knew his bride-to-be, yet is certain she was murdered. With no evidence, only a confession will do, and he enlists Genevieve to help draw it out. Their plan? Stage a haunting so theatrical, so chilling, it might just rattle the truth loose.

When frightful incidents befall the haunted manor, Genevieve begins to wonder if her tricks are even needed. She may be a fraud, but this ghost might be alarmingly real…

“This gem of a book sparkles with wit and originality. . . . There is no shortage of tricks and feints in this excellent novel.” — The Globe and Mail

“A delightful mix of gothic, mystery, and romance. I had such fun reading this book!” — Gwenda Bond, New York Times bestselling author of Not Your Average Hot Guy

• A great read for spooky-season nights
• A perfect addition to any Halloween reading list