Spitting gold is a great book. Unique in its premise I thoroughly enjoyed this one.

It follows two sisters who work together as spiritualists in Paris, there are two parts to the book both read by the sisters. I thought it was a nice little mystery that was quite funny in parts and I’d definitely recommend this to others.

It’s not a gothic as the blurb but I was glad of that.

This story is about a family of spiritualists, tricking people into paying for their services.
I was disappointed in it and really wasn’t keen to pick it up and continue the book. I found myself unable to engage with the characters and was often annoyed with their behaviour. I felt that the home life and the working life didn’t fit together and that at the end, there was a ‘tidying up’ chapter to deal with loose ends.
Sorry, not for me.

Whilst I enjoyed this novel I wasn’t bowled over by it. The premise of spiritists in Paris in the 19th century was right up my street and indeed the descriptions of the seances were well done. I thought however that the second half of the book got a bit boring and somewhat unbelievable and i was anxious to get to the end. I do feel though that this book will be well received and should do well.

Spiritualism in Paris? Two sisters who call the spirits for others (faking it) only to discover that the spirits might well be real and trying to get in touch with them! But for what and why?
Very atmospheric. I enjoyed the technique of one sister telling the story and then another. Gothic and a fun ghoulish experience!

Thank you to the author and publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Spitting Gold is a marvellously gothic tale. The sisters are so different and complex, I loved the twists and turns though it is ultimately quite a sad read.

A thoroughly entertaining read, set in 1860s Paris. As a lover of historical fiction I always enjoy catching a glimpse into how different people lived in the past and this book shows the contrasting lifestyles of upper and lower class Parisians at the time. The novel is full of twists, which kept me fully engaged in the story, and the perspective changes added depth. Overall an enjoyable and easy read.

I enjoyed this gothic novel. It had unexpected twists and turns and my interest was kept up until the end. I don't think it's a memorable book, but entertaining enough.

An entertaining tale of two sisters who work together as spiritists in Paris, ‘helping’ families who believe themselves to be haunted or have a possessed family member. Part 1 is very good, narrated by Sylvie, the older sister. She has married a Baron and had stopped this work at his insistence but her sister pleads with her to help her one more time. I enjoyed the descriptions of the ‘show’ the sisters put on for their employers and the sinister turn it took. Part 2 changes the narrator to the other sister, Charlotte. I enjoyed it less. I skim read much of it because although there were moments of suspense and high drama, they were too drawn out and it was easy to skip to the outcome without losing the storyline. There are a few unexpected twists and turns throughout and, although it’s a bit silly really, I enjoyed it.

With thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK for a review copy.

Spitting Gold by Carmella Lowkis. Due to be published 18th April.
Paris 1866. Two estranged sisters, fake mediums that have fallen out and gone their separate ways, brought back together to 'assist' a wealthy family with a spirit in their house. The first part told from one sisters perspective, then the second part told by the other sister. A clever story with lots of twists. I enjoyed it 5/5.
Cover shows gold coins, frogs and a snow globe with the words Good sister, Bad sister, One last Con.

Spitting Gold is set in Paris in the 1860s. There is a great sense of time and place created through the atmospheric writing and wonderful descriptions. I loved that there were two distinct points of view throughout the narrative and the characters were excellent.

I loved the concept and premise of this so couldn't wait to read, but was not entirely convinced by this read. Plodded along and ok but didn't grip me.

A good read, which I enjoyed. With good characters and excellent storytelling ability shown by the author. Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for giving me a copy of the book.

A dark and exciting read that had my attention throughout. The pace added to the dark and tense moments in the book.

3.5 ⭐


This felt very much like a book I'd read before, but not in a bad way.
The writing was great, and I very much enjoyed the story being told from both sisters points of view.
A lot of the twists weren't that surprising, but they were all engaging.
The sisters are interesting characters, how they view themselves, and how they view each other.
It's a book I'll be recommending to others.