This novel engaged me from the very first page. I was deeply invested in Flora's story and her character. I thought the dynamic between Minnie and Flora was wonderfully written.
The book deals with very complex themes and does so with carefully written emotion. I am looking forward to reading more from Emma Hinds. The prose was beautifully and I felt every word.
I would recommend reading the trigger warnings at the beginning of the book before reading.

I received a copy from NetGalley - all thoughts are my own.

I wanted to enjoy this more than I actually did. I kept going with it because I hoped it would hit the point where I could enjoy the story unfolding and not feel let down, unfortunately, that never came.

Honestly, I don't think it was a bad book? I think there are a lot of people who would enjoy this and I think I'm just not the audience for it.

+ The book was very well written, the author definitely has talent and I wouldn't be opposed to reading anything else by them in the future.
+There was a diverse cast, which was great - I liked the effort the author went to ensure all the characters felt real, and it definitely seemed as if the author had gone to great lengths to make the portrayal of characters feel authentic.
+ The Manchester setting felt real and lived in - I enjoyed that!
+ Flora was a likable heroine who I genuinely wanted to succeed.

- The romance and fantasy elements weren't as embedded as I'd hoped. I think this is a genre mismatch between me and the book. I usually like a trifle more fantasy than this offered.
- I didn't like any of the other characters. The dynamic between Flora and Minnie made it incredibly difficult to root for them as a couple.

Synopsis:

In the brutal slums of 19th century New York, tattooed mystic Flora fights for survival. As a lonely orphan she did so by turning tarot cards for pennies, before being picked up and becoming a living canvas for an abusive tattoo artist who controls her every move.

When the wheel of fortune spins and Flora meets Minnie, an enigmatic circus performer, she is offered a second chance at her uptown townhouse, also home to Minnie’s predatory lover Chester Merton. To earn her keep Flora returns to tarot reading for Charles’ wealthy friends, but unbeknownst to Minnie and Charles Flora has the Knowing - the ability to summon and speak to the dead. She may pretend for readings, but once she let the Knowing in her readings become dangerously true, seeing into the darkest depths of her customer’s soul and exposing the horrors found there.

Caught in a love triangle and grappling with her mystical abilities, Flora’s affinity to see ghosts will take her from fake seances in New York and across the ocean, but secrets always have a way of catching up with you, and Flora especially cannot outrun the dead.

My thoughts:

The Knowing is a spellbinding debut of obsession, betrayal and revenge, inspired by various historical figures such as Maud Wagner, one of the first known female tattoo artists, the Dead Rabbits gang and acts from PT Barnum's infamous circus. I loved its sapphic romance, Flora’s strength and Minnie’s determination, and found the ending to be perfect but bittersweet. While I cheered at the fates of some characters I was heartbroken by others, and that range of emotion is always the sign of a brilliant read. I wholeheartedly recommend this book and can’t wait to see what else Emma Hinds writes in future. A massive thank you to Netgalley and Bedford Sq publishers for the e-ARC.

I absolutely adored the dark, gothic atmosphere of the book. The whole story was beautifully written. The paranormal aspects made the hair raise on the back of my neck.

I was pulled in by the characters as much as the plot. I think this was an excellent debut novel and I'll sure keep an eye out for the author.

An intriguing story set in a world that mixes occult and music-hall, mystery and historical fiction.
Compelling, atmospheric and well written. A story I thoroughly enjoyed and loved.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Five Points, New York, 1866.

Flora is a Roma tarot card reader and the only female tattooist in the city. She works for Jordan, who is in the pocket of the Irish gang, The Dead Rabbits.

Jordan ‘rescued’ Flora from the slums promising her great things, however, he now views her as his property and he physically and mentally abuses her.

Flora has ‘The Knowing’, the ability to communicate with the dead.

One day Flora meets Minnie, who asks to be tattooed by her. Flora feels an instant connection to Minnie, and when Minnie offers her a new chance, an escape, Flora agrees.

She manages to flee from Jordan’s clutches and finds herself living in Chester Merton’s grand house. Minnie is his mistress, but now Chester takes a shine to Flora.

Then, during Flora’s first public tarot reading/ seance, she sees a ghost of a young boy, who was murdered by his lover. Flora exposes the killer, but her life is now in danger and she must flee…

I really wanted to like this book!

The synopsis sounded amazing, right up my street, but for some reason I just didn’t enjoy it.

I didn’t warm up to any of the characters (well, maybe apart from Abe) – even Flora managed to be unlikeable at times.

Despite Flora having The Knowing, she spent 75% of the time resisting it and not using it. When she did though, there were fireworks.

Overall, this unfortunately wasn’t a book for me.

Thank you to Bedford Square Publishers for approving my NetGalley request to read and review this title.

With a stunning build of atmosphere with elements of romance and the supernatural, this is a compelling yet enchanting book that will grip your attention from moment 1.

Anyone who shies away from violence should not read this book. Nor should anyone looking for a classic love story.

Instead, "The Knowing" offers an intriguing story full of examples of power relations.

The author has a good feel for creating atmosphere. Both the slum in New York where Minnie finds Flora and the house in which they both later live are oppressive and foreboding. Danger lurks around every corner. As the two women find each other in a relationship that may be love, may be out of addiction, things unfold.

This is a solid debut and I look forward to seeing what else author Emma Hinds writes in the future.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bedford Square House for an ARC
The setting was very exciting and made a big change to most of the books I see at the moment. I am a big fan of anything that has a gothic vibe so I really liked the way this was written. The main characters had so much depth and I loved Flora and Minnie's relationship, I would have liked a little more background on this to be honest. All in all a super fun historical fiction and I'm excited to see where this author goes.

I was provided with an eARC by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a beautifully atmospheric book that often gave me chills. The descriptions are so detailed that I could see, smell and feel everything perfectly.

While the story covers a large amount of time, the pacing is great and the story never drags. In fact, I wanted more of it so would have been happy if things slowed down slightly as some moments felt a bit rushed.

The supernatural elements are so well done and are suitably spooky. Combined with the detailed descriptions, moments with The Knowing are unsettling but I couldn't stop reading.

On to trigger warnings, this book deals with a number of issues including sexual assault, pedophilia, abuse and forced abortion. All of these are dealt with well and are important to the story - they are not included for shock value and there are no super graphic depictions.

The Knowing combines history with supernatural mystery perfectly, tying in with the obsession with mysticism of the time period.

The Knowing is not the sort of book I would normally pick but something about the description intrigued me. Unfortunately once I started reading I realised it really wasn't for me. The subject matter was far too dark for me. I did finish it as I don't give up on books but it was a struggle.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC.

Firstly, a huge thank you to the publisher for approving me for an e-ARC of this!

The premise of this sounded absolutely unmissable; gothic historical fiction, tarot, tattoos and mysticism? What an utterly captivating mix! But whilst this is still undoubtedly an impressive debut, it didn't quite deliver all that I hoped it would, which is a shame.

TW: rape, SA, abusive relationships, ableism, coercion, abortion (chosen and forced) paedophilia, murder
Set in 19th century New York, Flora is a heavily inked woman working as a tattoo artist and a mystic. She has a strange gift; 'The Knowing' which allows her to see and communicate with the dead. Flora is living under the juristiction of Jordan, her 'boyfriend' (read: keeper). an abusive partner and hiding her gift whilst reading tarot cards for punters for some extra coin. One day, Flora meets Minnie, a circus performer with dwarfism who offers her refuge and a chance at escape but inviting her to move in with her and her lover, Chester Merton in a townhouse the other side of the city, the future seems bright - but this is truly just the beginning of the turmoil Flora has yet to face.

Almost every character in this book has or is in an abusive relationship of some kind with almost all the other characters simultaneously. I really enjoy reading unlikeable characters but with this I just couldn't resonate with Flora's mindset or motivations, particularly when it came to her relationship with Minnie. There's stockholm syndrome, sure, but I just couldn't understand how she would fall so deeply in love when Minnie was so blatantly coercive and unpleasant a lot of the time. I also didn't feel like Minnie's motivations or actions were clear enough for me to know if we were meant to like her or loath her. I wanted it to be obvious if she was setting up a long game or calculating how to double cross Flora for her own gain - but it all just felt a bit murky and icky.

However I loved the notions of the girls of the slums and orphanages banding together and the fight to survive and make your own way in the world were powerful, and the premise of The Knowing is such a cool idea. It was also so interesting to read about a time when a woman with tattoos could be considered exceptional enough to be part of a 'freak show'.

Honestly, I couldn't put this down for the first 20 - 30% but after that it seemed to slow and my attention dipped because I just didn't feel emotionally attached or invested in any of the characters. I also felt like so much of this had beautiful writing and such strong potential, but it just felt a little convoluted from the midpoint onwards and lost its way a little.

I'd still be interested to read anything this author writes in the future!

In the slums of 19th-century New York.

A tattooed mystic fights for her life.

Her survival hangs on the turn of a tarot card.

Powerful, intoxicating and full of suspense. The Knowing is a darkly spellbinding novel about a girl fighting for her survival in the decaying criminal underworlds. It is a hard-hitting story of love, obsession and betrayal.

Whilst working as a living canvas for an abusive tattoo artist in the slums of 19th-century New York, Flora meets Minnie, an enigmatic circus performer who offers her love and refuge in an opulent townhouse that is home to the menacing and predatory Mr Chester Merton. Flora earns her keep reading tarot cards for his guests whilst struggling to harness her gift, the Knowing - an ability to summon the dead. Caught in a dark love triangle between Minnie and Chester, Flora begins to unravel the secrets inside their house. Then at her first public séance in the infamous cathouse Hotel du Woods, Flora hears the spirit of a murdered boy prostitute and exposes his killer, setting off a train of events that leaves her fighting for her life.

The Knowing is a stunning debut inspired by real historical characters including Maud Wagner, one of the first known female tattoo artists, New York gang the Dead Rabbits, and characters from PT Barnum's circus in the 1800s.

Something Powerful Is Coming.



Please note, THE KNOWING contains themes of sexual violence which some readers may find challenging.

The central character of this book is Florence, who at the beginning of the book is a Tattooist and canvas for her rather domineering boyfriend Jordan.

Jordan is the head/main tattooist & also has control over Florence and the artwork/tatoos on her body but has no interest in her 'too flabby' stomach or feet. Jordan says feet, & bony crevices are womens work to tattoo so Jordan tends to pass off any tattoos he doesn't really want to do onto Florence.

Jordan tells everyone providence brought them together....however it was the man who took her from a ragtag of foundling gypsies when he saw her talent reading tarot cards, he promised to take her out of the slums, and give her a better life.
Jordan is extremely possessive yet also excessively abusive of Florence. He orders her to dress in a certain way to attract more business by showing off her tattoos, but Jordan doesn't like it when other men ask if he 'leases her out' or leer at her too much. However he blames Florence for drawing the men's attention as if she somehow she really entices them to be like this with her, promising them favours etc. Jordan beats Florence & has sex with her, though Florence doesn't particularly give her consent to the sex or how rough and abusive it is. He is basically raping her as a punishment or a way to have dominance over her. Jordan also has a gun hidden under the floorboards & is a fighter so Florence is understandably scared of him. Though she may want to leave, where would she go, she has nothing, no friends and no where to go. Jordan also associates with the gangs such as the Dead Rabbits who he would task to find her and bring her back.

Florence has what is referred to as 'the knowing' she knows what tarot card is coming next, she can hear whispers but has learnt the hard way not to speak to other people about having 'the knowing' Florence can speak to the dead and she sees them when she leaves her body as it's being beaten & abused by Jordan. I think in a way they help her escape the abuse she is being subjected to.

When Florence literally bumps into Abernathy and then Minnie who offers her somewhere to escape to and a level of protection she quite blindly jumpd at the chance. However it seems Minnie expects Florence to use 'the knowing' and become a sort of act in her collection of artistes. Minnie refers to Florence as 'the painted mystic' and she is expected to perform to read cards and speak to the ghosts.

I loved the character of Florence who takes what she sees as her only chance of escape and goes to people she has only just met. I felt so sorry for her, not remembering much about her younger life except this one protective female figure. Then ending up with Jordan who treats her as a possession, almost like a slave. He decides where he wants to tattoo her. He wants her to dress proactively, yet when she receives attention, he blames her and beats her for it. It really is an abusive relationship. Physical, mental, emotional and sexual abuse are all experienced by Florence on a daily basis. I found her reaction and escapism techniques very believable and realistic. When the opportunity to escape arises she doesn't have long to make a decision and I couldn't help wondering if she was 'jumping out of the frying pan into the fire' Especially when at one point Minnie actually says 'I'm keeping you now'. Sadly, Florence seems to still being controlled and told what to do.

I really enjoyed reading this book, I found it intriguing, emotive and addictive reading. There were lots of twists and turns with subtle clues along the way to pick up on. It's a really interesting story, with some great characters set in a time when men basically took what or who they wanted and treat them however they wanted. There was no help for a woman in an abusive relationship. This book covers some serious subjects such as abuse, rape, and violence all of which are well written and part of the greater plot of the book.

The narrative unfolds with a plethora of twists and turns, keeping readers engaged throughout. The subtle hints scattered throughout the plot add an intriguing layer of anticipation. The story unfolds in a fascinating era. Immersed in this historical backdrop, I found the setting to be captivating and thought-provoking.

This is a dark story about Florence ‘Flora’, who lives in the slums of Five Points in 19th century New York. Flora is living with tattooist Jordan who seriously abuses her both physically and mentally but she thinks she is better off with him than alone. To him she is a trophy and he uses her body to show his tattoos and they cover her whole body, and she also tattoos herself! But Flora has a gift, the Knowing, an ability to speak to the dead and she reads Tarot. The author has included some real characters, some of who made a living as freaks in travelling and resident shows, during this era as immortalised in the film The Greatest Showman.

Briefly, after meeting Minnie Flora leaves Jordan and moves, with Minnie, into the home of debauched and wealthy Chester Merton. She makes a living reading the tarot cards, always trying to hold back the Knowing, but when she holds her first public seance she is unable to hold back and speaks to the spirit of a murdered boy prostitute and reveals his killer, putting herself and her friends in extreme danger.

This a seriously creepy and scary read with this insidious ‘gift’ always fighting to get out through Flora to find what they perceive as justice for themselves, at any cost. The life Flora and her friends lived was quite heartbreaking, it was so difficult for women to own themselves as men held all the power. The love Flora and Minnie shared would be considered immoral and illegal so they always had to hide their true feelings. Although I felt compassion for Flora she was damaged, a product of her upbringing, and wasn’t a particularly loveable character. A very powerful, dark historical gothic read with great characters and an emotional storyline. I really enjoyed it.

This stunning debut by queer writer and playwright, Emma Hinds, is perfect for fans of dark historical fiction.

The book features two female protagonists: Flora whose body is used as a canvas and a lure by her tattooist boyfriend, and Minnie who uses her short stature and limb difference to create as comfortable a world for herself as she can. A chance meeting in New York leads to Flora escaping from her abusive situation and going to work alongside Minnie in the salons of Upper New York. At first it seems like an amazing opportunity for Flora, but things are not quite what they seem.

The book has content warnings for good reason. Its pages are filled with menace, reflecting the constant threat that Flora and Minnie face both day and night, This is shown very effectively through little details - the creak of a floorboard outside the bedroom, the change of light under the door, the sideways look under hooded eyes from an abuser, the glimpse of a familiar-looking tattoo or style of hat, This menace is sustained for the greater part of the book and provides great momentum, keeping you reading one chapter after another, needing to find out what happens to the characters.

The Knowing is a story of sisterhood and sacrifice. The book reflects the fact that women of that time - whether from high society or the slums - were chattels for the men, to be used or set aside as they pleased. More than one female character has to surrender their body to predatorial men to protect those younger and more vulnerable than them.

But before you think the book is about the solidarity of women in a patriarchal society, I'll just mention that when you inhabit this kind of world, everyone has to look out for themselves...

I found Flora very engaging and likable as a character. I found Minnie less so, simply because we only learn about her character in bits and pieces as more and more is revealed. Even at the end she felt something of a mystery to me.

The Knowing is a wonderful read, and I am already hoping that Emma is writing another historical fiction novel!

"The Knowing" is a potent and enthralling novel, immersed in suspense, telling the tale of a girl's struggle for survival within the deteriorating criminal underworld. This gripping narrative delves into themes of love, obsession, and betrayal, offering a hard-hitting exploration of these complex dynamics.

Set in the slums of 19th-century New York, Flora finds herself working as a living canvas for an abusive tattoo artist. Her life takes a fateful turn when she encounters Minnie, a mysterious circus performer who extends love and refuge in an opulent townhouse owned by the menacing and predatory Mr. Chester Merton. Flora, gifted with the ability to summon the dead, known as the Knowing, earns her keep by reading tarot cards for Merton's guests. Caught in a dark love triangle between Minnie and Chester, Flora begins to unravel the secrets concealed within their house.

As the story unfolds, Flora's involvement in a public séance at the infamous Hotel du Woods exposes the spirit of a murdered boy prostitute, leading to a series of events that put her life in jeopardy. "The Knowing" is a spellbinding journey into the shadows of love and the supernatural, weaving together elements of mystery and danger that keep readers on the edge of their seats.

The E-Book could be improved and more user-friendly, such as links to the chapters, no significant gaps between words and a cover for the book would be better. It is very document-like instead of a book. A star has been deducted because of this.

This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and I would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

4 stars

Read this if you like; Stacey Halls, Bridget Collins

WIn 19th century Manhattan, Flora, a gifted psychic, grows up in the gang-ruled slums, living a life of destitution and abuse with her ‘boyfriend’ Jordan, her body covered in tattoos, as a mark of the control he has over her.

A chance encounter with limbless dwarf Minnie sees Flora whisked to upper Manhattan, reading tarot for the upper classes. Flora might finally have a chance to be happy, but her attempts to evade the men and ghosts that pursue her take her across the Atlantic and could cost her her life.

I was completely gripped by this and it beat all my expectations. The locations are richly described and atmospheric, further enhanced by the supernatural element, and I was desperate for Flora to find her happy ending. A great read.

Thank you to Netgalley & Bedford Press for my copy.

TW: death, murder, violence, sexual assault, rape, grooming, paedophilia, suicide, domestic abuse, physical abuse, sexual harassment, stalking, PTSD

Flora was such a complex and compelling protagonist and this combined with her fascinating powers kept me reading. However, I did not enjoy the story and many of the central characters – I think I was expecting something different. This is also very, very dark so please check trigger warnings.