Spitting Gold - by Carmella Lowkis

About the Book

"A deliciously haunted debut set in 19th century Paris in which two estranged sisters-formerly celebrated (and fraudulent) spirit mediums-come back together for one last con"--

Book Synopsis

A deliciously haunting, "lush, and twist-filled tale" (CrimeReads) that blends gothic mystery with a captivating sapphic romance as two estranged sisters--celebrated (and fraudulent) spirit mediums--come back together for one last con in 19th-century Paris.

Paris, 1866: When Baroness Sylvie Devereux receives a house call from Charlotte Mothe, the sister she disowned, she fears her shady past as a spirit medium has caught up with her. But with their father ill and Charlotte unable to pay his bills, Sylvie is persuaded into one last con.

Their marks are the de Jacquinots: dysfunctional aristocrats who believe they are haunted by their great aunt, brutally murdered during the French Revolution.

The scheme underway, the sisters deploy every trick to terrify the family out of their gold. But when inexplicable horrors start to happen to them, too, the duo question whether they really are at the mercy of a vengeful spirit. And what other deep, dark secrets may come to light?

Perfect for fans of Sarah Waters and Sarah Penner, Spitting Gold is "an auspicious first outing from a writer to watch" (Publishers Weekly, starred review).

Review Quotes

"A twisty, Gothic thriller...that has serious Sarah Waters vibes."--Entertainment Weekly

"This atmospheric tale has twists, schemes, and surprises that will keep the reader guessing until the last page."--Booklist

"Lowkis' twisty debut plays with the conventions of the gothic novel in a tale that pits two ambitious sisters against each other... A deliciously convoluted tale of layered deceptions."--Kirkus

"Magnificent debut...Lowkis skillfully orchestrates the contentious relationship between Sylvie and Charlotte, each of whom resort to subterfuges and schemes, and pulls off a series of surprising twists that completely change the shape of the story. It's an auspicious first outing from a writer to watch."--Publishers Weekly, starred review


"All is not what it seems in this lush and twist-filled tale...Spitting Gold is carefully plotted, fully characterized, and incredibly satisfying."-- "CrimeReads"

"Set in rain-soaked 19th century Paris, Spitting Gold is a tale of two sisters and a perfectly paced gothic heist. This world of spiritualist hucksters and scheming aristocrats is brilliantly evoked, and it's a story told with real heart."--Tim Leach, author of The Last King of Lydia

"Twisty, compelling and oh-so-cleverly written, this tale of creepy séances, aristocrats and sisterhood has the same dark glamour as the 19th century Paris it evokes."--Sonia Velton, author of Blackberry and Wild Rose

"A clever, atmospheric and sparkling Gothic debut with compelling characters and brilliant prose. Reminded me of Sarah Waters."--Anna Mazzola, author of The Clockwork Girl

"A compelling and atmospheric story of sisterhood and female agency, Spitting Gold is an evocative gothic tale where nothing is quite what it seems."--Susan Stokes-Chapman, author of Pandora

"Carmella Lowkis's confident debut twirls the reader into high society (and low) in a 19th century Paris deliciously recognizable in its modernity. Boasting a twisty plot, seances, sly humor, ghosts, a long con, and lesbians, the heart of the book is the affecting and frustrating relationship between two sisters. I devoured it."--Ally Wilkes, author of All the White Spaces

About the Author

Carmella Lowkis grew up in Wiltshire, UK, and has a degree in English literature and creative writing from the University of Warwick, where she was mentored by Sunday Times (London) bestselling author Sarah Moss. After graduating, she worked in libraries before moving into book marketing. Carmella lives in London with her girlfriend. You can follow her on X and Instagram @CarmellaLowkis. Spitting Gold is her first novel.