The Mesmerist by Caroline Woods is captivating historical fiction based on a real place in Minneapolis, The Bethany Home for Unwed Mothers, as well as on a true crime story that transpired in the area in 1894.
The story revolves around three women. The mysterious Faith, a traumatized young woman who, judging by her dress, worked as a “sporting woman” in a brothel. She does not seem to speak, but she does come with a suspiciously large amount of money on her person. Abby Mendenhall, a Quaker woman running the Home, who doesn’t expect her charges to provide their real names, but who can’t help but wonder who the newcomer is—especially as it becomes clear there are people looking for her. And May, a resident whose year at the Home is coming to an end and who desperately hopes to find a man to marry. Forced to be roommates, May becomes intrigued by Faith and begins to investigate her past.
Unfortunately for May, she has set her cap for a charming young man named Hal Hayward, who may have ulterior motives for his courting of the naive young woman; Hal is perhaps not what he first seems and when May eventually meets his friends, she realizes that Faith also had crossed paths with them, in her life “before”. But what is the connection, exactly? As she delves deeper into the mystery, she uncovers a world of secrets, danger, and the supernatural.
The novel blends historical fiction with elements of gothic horror, creating a suspenseful and atmospheric read. Woods skillfully weaves together a complex plot with well-developed characters and the setting of 19th-century Minneapolis adds a layer of authenticity and intrigue. While the pacing may be slow at times, the overall narrative is engaging and keeps the reader guessing until the end.
I really enjoyed the vibes of this late nineteenth century, spending time among the philanthropic society ladies and unfortunate sporting women, in the parlors where various facets of spiritualism were having their heyday as entertainment. The mysterious elements of the story were rather good. I definitely gave the story a little side-eye when characters convince themselves they acted against their will because someone with a magnetic personality (i.e. a mesmerist) suggested they do so but, overall, I really entertained by this one. 4 stars!