The Mesmerist: A Novel BY Caroline Woods

In The Bethany Home Mystery by Caroline Woods, historical intrigue and suspense intertwine as three women navigate a web of danger and deceit in 1894 Minneapolis. Amidst a national financial crisis and a surge in spiritualism, mysterious deaths plague the city, and the Bethany Home for Unwed Mothers becomes the epicenter of unsettling rumors. The arrival of the enigmatic Faith, who remains silent about her past, ignites whispers of dark magic and malevolence.

Abby, the Home’s treasurer and a dedicated Quaker, dismisses the mystical claims surrounding Faith but is deeply concerned about the scandal threatening the institution’s vital work. She enlists May, a hopeful young woman determined to end her year at Bethany Home engaged and on course for a blissful future with her questionable suitor, Hal. May’s task is to uncover the truth about Faith’s mysterious arrival and past.

As May delves into Faith’s shadowy background, she unearths a Minneapolis fraught with secrets and encounters both the genteel and the nefarious. Her investigation reveals hidden layers within her own life and relationships, forcing her to confront her trust in Hal and the motives of those around her, including Abby and Faith. With each new death, May’s sense of safety and certainty unravels, and she must navigate a treacherous path of lies and truth to protect the future she desires.

The Bethany Home Mystery offers a richly textured narrative filled with tension, intrigue, and complex characters. Woods reimagines the classic American mystery genre through the eyes of three bold and unforgettable women, creating a gripping read that keeps readers on edge.