Lowkis, Carmella: Spitting Gold

A deliciously haunting, “lush, and twist-filled tale” ( CrimeReads ) that blends gothic mystery with a captivating sapphic romance as two estranged sisters—celebrated (and fraudulent) spirit mediums—come back together for one last con in 19th-century Paris. Paris, 1866: When Baroness Sylvie Devereux receives a house call from Charlotte Mothe, the sister she disowned, she fears her shady past as a spirit medium has caught up with her. But with their father ill and Charlotte unable to pay his bills, Sylvie is persuaded into one last con. Their marks are the de Jacquinots: dysfunctional aristocrats who believe they are haunted by their great aunt, brutally murdered during the French Revolution. The scheme underway, the sisters deploy every trick to terrify the family out of their gold. But when inexplicable horrors start to happen to them, too, the duo question whether they really are at the mercy of a vengeful spirit. And what other deep, dark secrets may come to light? Perfect for fans of Sarah Waters and Sarah Penner, Spitting Gold is “an auspicious first outing from a writer to watch” ( Publishers Weekly , starred review).