Out November 1, 2022 [Thank you so much to the author for my gifted ARC!] 

 

Rating: 4.5/5 stars 

 

Ann Stilwell is a young art historian who lands a job at the Metropolitan Museum of Art—only to learn that her position has been removed at the last moment. Instead, she finds herself at The Cloisters, a museum and garden filled with a staff that is seeking answers to unusual questions about tarot, fate, and divination. 

 

When I saw this book announced, I instantly knew it would be a mix of all of my favorite things—suspense, dark academia, history/culture, and just a bit of mysticism and magic. Fortunately, in the end it was all this and more. The vibes were impeccable and I loved the world of this book, which was somehow both tense and welcoming, inviting and eerie. 

 

Best of all, the writing is astoundingly beautiful, and I have no doubt that Katy Hays is going to be a massive literary star as soon as everyone gets their hands on this book. It’s everything you could want in a fall/spooky season read, and I’m so excited for the world to read it! 

 

Recommended to anyone, but especially if you like: dark academia; Ashley Winstead-esque vibes; art history. 

 

CW: Loss of parent/grief; drug use; murder; car accident; toxic relationships.