Publisher: Pegasus Crime
Genre: Historical Mystery
Synopsis
A historical mystery in the vein of The Alienist, in which a young woman in Gilded Age New York must use a special talent to unravel a deadly conspiracy.
Amelia Matthew has done the all-but-impossible, especially for an orphan in Gilded Age New York City. Along with her foster brother Jonas, she has parleyed her modest psychic talent into a safe and comfortable life. But safety and comfort vanish when a head injury leaves Amelia with a dramatically-expanded gift. After she publicly channels an angry spirit, she finds herself imprisoned in the notorious insane asylum on Blackwell’s Island. As Jonas searches for a way to free her, Amelia struggles to control her disturbing new abilities and survive a place where cruelty and despair threaten her sanity.
Andrew Cavanaugh is familiar with despair. In the wake of a devastating loss, he abandons a promising medical career—and his place in Philadelphia society—to devote himself to the study and treatment of mental disease. Miss Amelia Matthew is just another patient—until she channels a spirit in front of him and proves her gift is real.
When a distraught mother comes to Andrew searching for her missing daughter—a daughter she believes is being hidden at the asylum—he turns to Amelia. Together, they uncover evidence of a deadly conspiracy, and then it’s no longer just Amelia’s sanity and freedom at stake. Amelia must master her gift and use it to catch a killer—or risk becoming the next victim.
My Thoughts
Amelia Matthew works in a gentlemen's club reading tarot cards using her cleverness and modest psychic ability. After a serious head injury Amelia discovers that this ability has changed dramatically. She now interacts with the spirit world and after one disturbing encounter finds herself an inmate of the notorious insane asylum on Blackwell's Island. Her claims that she isn't insane is met with scepticism. Her only hope is that Jonas will come to her rescue, but until then she must bide her time witnessing the cruelty and barbaric medical practices involved in the treatment of the mentally ill.
Dr. Andrew Cavanaugh joins the medical staff on Blackwell's Island to study mental illness in women. He is driven by guilt over the personal loss he has suffered. Through his research, he eventually crosses paths with Amelia, who shocks him when a spirit takes over her body. At first he disbelieves what he has seen, but when Amelia successfully channels the same spirit again in his presence, he accepts that her psychic ability is real.
When Andrew is asked to search for a missing woman, Amelia is the ideal person to ask for assistance. During the search evidence of a nefarious scheme involving the inmates is uncovered, which places both their lives in danger.
A Deadly Fortune is an enthralling mystery that highlights the grim reality of life within an insane asylum where cruelty and dubious medical practices are the norm. It also reveals how easy it was for women to be committed by their husbands for various reasons but especially to gain control of their fortunes, and how the unscrupulous could take advantage of the system for personal gain.
Most of the story takes place within the asylum, creating a suspenseful and menacing atmosphere immediately Amelia is incarcerated. Her psychic ability also contributes to the suspense as she struggles to control it and interpret the visions. The paranormal events are believable and work well within the context of the story. The ending was both exciting and satisfying.
Well-developed characters and plot make this a compelling read that I am happy to recommend. A Deadly Fortune is an excellent debut novel sure to delight historical mystery fans who also enjoy a paranormal twist.
Where to Purchase
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound
Meet the Author
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads
Blog Tour Schedule
Monday, January 11
Review at Coffee and Ink
Review at 100 Pages a Day
Tuesday, January 12
Excerpt at Probably at the Library
Wednesday, January 13
Review at McCombs on Main
Review at Gwendalyn's Books
Thursday, January 14
Feature at The Lit Bitch
Friday, January 15
Review at A Darn Good Read
Monday, January 18
Review at Novels Alive
Tuesday, January 19
Review at Rajiv's Reviews
Wednesday, January 20
Guest Post at Novels Alive
Thursday, January 21
Feature at What Is That Book About
Friday, January 22
Review & Excerpt at Books & Benches
Monday, January 25
Review at Chicks, Rogues, and Scandals
Tuesday, January 26
Review at Bitch Bookshelf
Wednesday, January 27
Review at A Chick Who Reads
Thursday, January 28
Excerpt at Always With a Book
Friday, January 29
Review at Amy's Booket List
Interview at Madwoman in the Attic
Monday, February 1
Review at Book Bustle
Tuesday, February 2
Review at Tangents and Tissues
Wednesday, February 3
Feature at Reading is My Remedy
Review & Excerpt at The Book Review Crew
Friday, February 5
Review at Passages to the Past
Giveaway (US only)
Enter HERE to win a copy of A Deadly Fortune by Stacie Murphy & a $50 Gift Card to Amazon or your favorite Indie store. Winner's choice.
The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on February 5th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
Now that is a great review! I'm so happy you enjoyed A Deadly Fortune! We appreciate you hosting the tour :)
ReplyDeleteAmy
HF Virtual Book Tours
Thanks, Amy!
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