The Entirely True Story of the Fantastical Mesmerist Nora Grey

As spiritualism reaches its fevered pitch at the dawn of the 20th century, a Scottish girl crosses the veil to unlock a powerful connection within an infamous asylum in this thrillingly atmospheric, exquisitely evocative exploration of feminine rage and agency for readers of Sarah Penner, Alice Hoffman, and Hester Fox.Leaving behind a quiet life of simple comforts, Nairna Liath traverses the Scottish countryside with her charlatan father, Tavish. From remote cottages to rural fairs, the duo scrapes by on paltry coins as Tavish orchestrates “encounters” with the departed, while Nairna interprets tarot cards for those willing to pay for what they wish to hear.But beyond her father’s trickery, Nairna possesses a genuine gift for communicating with the spirit world, one that could get an impoverished country girl branded a witch. A talent inherited from her grandmother, Lottie Liath, widow of a Welsh coalminer, whose story of imprisonment and exploitation in a notorious asylum is calling out to Nairna from four decades past—a warning to break free from the manipulations, greed, and betrayals of others.What do the cards hold for Nairna’s future?Rescued from homelessness by a well-connected stranger, Nairna is whisked into a new life among Edinburgh’s elite Spiritualist circle, including visiting American star Dorothy Kellings. Researchers, doctors, psychics, and thrill-seekers clamor for the rising young medium. But after a séance with blood-chilling results, a shocking scandal ensues, and Nairna flees to a secluded community near Boston, where she assumes a new identity: Nora Grey.But Nora can’t stay hidden when Dorothy Kellings offers her the chance to face all comers and silence skeptics at a spectacular séance at Boston’s Old South Meeting Hall, where Nora will come face to face at last with her spiritual guide: the courageous Lottie Liath, whose heart-wrenching story and profound messages are indelibly tied to Nora’s destiny.

Alma Katsu, author of The Hunger on Diabhal

"Imagine a world of old magic that exists beside our own, but one that is darker, grittier, and more dangerous than you ever imagined. Kathleen Kaufman's Diabhal rings with ominous truths."

Lee Murray, two-time Bram Stoker nominee and author of Into the Mist.

“A potent tale of mythos, superstition, and the power of little girls, Diabhal is told with rigor and surety. Kaufman is magnificent.”

Publishers Weekly on Diabhal

“An engrossing tale of magic, darkness, and natural order”

Booklist on Diabhal

"A great choice for readers drawn in to the folk horror of the movie Midsommar, fans of dark fantasy authors like Seanan McGuire, or horror featuring strong, female, teen protagonists like M. R. Carey's Someone Like Me.”

Megan Hart, New York Times Bestselling Author of All the Lies We Tell on Hag

"Gorgeously written, Hag intricately weaves a story from past to present. Readers longing to be swept away into another world will devour this book."

a lovely read!"

"A mix of magical realism and historical fiction, this story swept me away. Kaufman’s writing flows effortlessly, carrying the reader along on this magical journey. I read the book in one sitting...Recommended

This is Horror, Bob Pastorella on Hag

“Witches are a major part of horror folklore, and when a writer comes along and gives them a serious treatment beyond the usual stereotypical trappings, it’s time to take notice. Hag appears to have the occult running deep in its veins.”

Richard Thomas, author of Disintegration, and Breakeron The Son of Abraham

“The Son of Abraham is an immersive, haunting, touching story about family, love, and the supernatural. Kathleen Kaufman has woven a tapestry of original entities, visceral setting, and dark magical wonder that is equally unsettling and hopeful. A powerful read.”

Jennifer Brody / Vera Strange, award-winning author of the 13th Continuum Trilogy and Disney Chills series on The Son of Abraham

“Beautifully conceived, genuinely chilling and a brilliant culmination to Kathleen Kaufman’s horror saga!”

John Palisano Bram Stoker Award Winning author of Ghost Heart and President, Horror Writers Association on Sinder

“Get immersed in the dark and magical world of Sinder, where imagination and the key to salvation meet at an Americana crossroads lurking only a stone’s throw from the Pacific Ocean. Steeped in folklore, myth and legend, Sinder casts an unforgettable gothic spell that will leave you wondering what is real . . . and what is magic.”

and a must-read for fans of folk horror.”

“Kaufman weaves together magic and myth with the visceral, real-life horrors of life in 1920s Ireland to create a dark, richly-layered portrait of a girl finding her power in a patriarchal society. This is a powerful, poignant tale

About the Author

Kathleen Kaufman is an author of magical realism and feminist gothic horror, exploring "the other" from "the other’s" point of view, how the horror of the past manifests in the present, and the inescapable intertwining of generational history. Her prose has been praised by Kirkus Reviews as “crisp, elegant” and “genuinely chilling” by Booklist. She is the author of the Diabhal trilogy, The Lairdbalor (soon to be a feature film directed by Nicholas Verso), Hag, and The Tree Museum. Originally from Colorado, Kathleen is a professor at Santa Monica College and lives in Los Angeles with her husband, son, kitten, and hound. Visit her online at KathleenKaufman.com. --This text refers to the hardcover edition.

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