Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Teen charlatans battle a sinister specter in this rollicking "Bluebeard" reimagining. Unlike their mother, Mallory and Anaïs Fontaine can't wield the magic necessary to cast spells. Everybody in the city of Morant assumes otherwise, though, so after their mother dies, the girls begin peddling counterfeit wares from the family's potions-and-charms shop. Additionally, Mallory--who can see and communicate with spirits--commences unsanctioned tours of the now-abandoned mansion where the infamous count Bastien Saphir killed his first wife before leaving town for the country with their child. When Bastien's great-great-grandson, Armand, comes calling, Mallory worries he'll expose her; instead, he solicits her and Anaïs's help in exorcising apparitions from Bastien's rural estate. Armand informs them that, following Bastien's murder of two other wives, he was killed by his fourth wife's brothers. Now all three specters haunt the estate, and Bastien's malevolent and increasingly powerful spirit has started attracting even more sinister paranormal terrors. Though the magic-less sisters know they can't actually perform an exorcism, stringing Armand along should prove profitable--assuming they survive the ordeal. Despite kitschy, underdeveloped worldbuilding by Meyer (With a Little Luck), wisecracking ghosts, witty third-person narration, and feisty, funny heroines amply entertain. Shocking twists confound, while Armand and Mallory's flirtation adds fizz. Main characters cue as white. Ages 14--up. Agent: Jill Grinberg, Jill Grinberg Literary. (Nov.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 7 Up--The Fontaine sisters are not just master witches; they are the leading experts on the Saphir murders. At least, that's what Mallory tells the clients they fleece. Conning unwitting tourists by illegally giving ghost tours of the famous, abandoned mansion that once was home to Count Bastien Saphir, Mallory and her rigged frights are enough to provide a (somewhat holey) roof over her and her sister's heads. But when the killer count's great-great-grandson shows up, seeking her help to rid his estate of his ancestor's spectral victims, Mallory might be in over her head. This plot-driven, gothic fantasy is a perfect autumnal read. The murderous dark elements are well-balanced with plenty of humorous moments. While the secondary characters do not have depth, it is easy to root for Mallory as she fights both ghosts and her budding attraction to Armand, the Saphir heir. Although readers may find a few plot points convenient, the breakneck pacing of the novel's climax makes this easy to overlook. This has a wholly satisfying ending and just enough left open that readers will be wishing for a sequel. VERDICT Meyer fans and new readers alike will find much to love in this spooky, atmospheric read. A welcome addition to any library collection.--Elisha Sheffer
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A girl who can see ghosts takes on a deadly challenge. Everyone knows the tale: Wealthy Count Bastien Saphir, aka Monsieur Le Bleu, married and murdered three unsuspecting women before the fourth got away. They say Le Bleu was still laughing as his last wife's brothers cut off his head. A century later, Mallory Fontaine gives tours of House Saphir and knows more than anyone about the family and their history. Count Armand Saphir, heir to the estate, seeks out Mallory and her elder sister, Anaïs, to assist at the family's country estate, where Le Bleu's ghost has returned to threaten the inhabitants. Armand hopes that the Fontaine family's reputation as gifted witches means they can aid in this exorcism. Unfortunately, the sisters aren't entirely truthful about their magical talents; their mother was renowned for her elixirs and talismans, but Mallory and Anaïs don't possess her powers and make a living selling fake charms and spells. Still, Mallory agrees, betting on her legitimate ability to talk to ghosts and her affinity with the macabre. But as the gory sacrifices add up, it seems there may be more than a ghost that's haunting the estate. Meyer takes the classic French folktale "Bluebeard" and expertly sprinkles in ghosts and otherworldly creatures to create an eerie tale with a side of steamy romance. The characters are full-bodied, possessing either winsome or terrifying auras, while the setting beautifully conveys a bewitching ambiance. Mallory and Armand present white. Bloody brilliant! (guide to monsters)(Supernatural mystery. 14-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
