The Mesmerist: A Novel By Caroline Woods

In The Bethany Conspiracy by Caroline Woods, a riveting historical thriller set in 1894 Minneapolis, three distinct women must join forces to unravel a sinister mystery threatening the sanctity of their home. Amidst a national financial crisis and the rising tide of spiritualism, the Bethany Home for Unwed Mothers becomes the focal point of an unsettling series of unexplained deaths.

The arrival of a mysterious new guest, Faith, who refuses to speak or explain her presence, stirs fear and suspicion among the home's residents. Her silence and enigmatic demeanor lead to rumors of dark magic and malevolent forces, casting a shadow over the home's vital mission.

Abby, a dedicated Quaker and the Home’s treasurer, is skeptical of the mystical rumors but is keenly aware of the potential scandal brewing. To protect the Home’s reputation, she assigns Faith’s roommate, May, to investigate Faith’s past. May is eager to conclude her time at Bethany Home engaged and secure her happily-ever-after with Hal, a man whose trustworthiness is increasingly in question.

As May delves into Faith’s murky background, she uncovers a hidden side of Minneapolis and grows closer to both Hal and the city’s elite. The more she learns, the more she is compelled to question everyone’s motives, including Abby’s and Faith’s. With each new death, May faces difficult choices about the future she desires and the lies she must navigate.

The Bethany Conspiracy weaves tension, suspicion, and sharp character observations into a compelling narrative that reimagines the classic American mystery genre through the eyes of three courageous women. 📚❤️