Books
The Lies of Alma Blackwell
A sweepingly romantic gothic mystery about a girl poised to inherit a famously haunted California mansion, and a stranger who arrives with a dark warning...
For over a century, the Blackwells have protected the town of Hollow Cliff from vengeful spirits.
Seventeen-year-old Nev is ready to take over for her ailing grandmother as the town’s witch protector—unlike her mother, who left when Nev was a child and never looked back.
When a stranger arrives at The Blackwell House of Spirits to fill a tour guide opening, Nev reluctantly offers him the job.
Nev doesn’t trust Cal. He knows more than he’s letting on about Blackwell House—and about Nev herself.
But Nev soon learns that she has been lied to her whole life. By following the trail of clues left behind in Blackwell House by her most powerful witch ancestor, Nev uncovers an unspeakable legacy of murder and lies...and realizes that a stranger may be the one person she can trust.
Available now from your local independent bookstore or retailers such as: Barnes & Noble | Amazon | Bookshop | Books-A-Million
Praise for The Lies of Alma Blackwell
** A PASTE Magazine Most Anticipated YA Book of Summer 2024
“Add a witchy house with elaborate secret passageways and we are all in. VERDICT: a phenomenal occult thriller.”
—School Library Journal, STARRED Review
“Fans of Maggie Stiefvater and Mary Downing Hahn will be drawn into this enchanting tale, a gripping supernatural thriller that’s characterized by a strong blend of light romance, moody gothic ambiance, and magical mystery. Highly recommended for those seeking an atmospheric page-turner.”
— Kirkus Reviews
"Moody and atmospheric, this modern gothic tale…is packed with twists."
—Publishers Weekly
"This twisty tale has a strong mystery element amid the gothic trappings, with well placed reveals that heighten the suspense. This is a satisfying read for fans of gothic romances and paranormal mysteries."
—Booklist
The Second Death of Edie and Violet Bond
*A Barnes & Noble YA Bookclub Pick & Rise Feminist Booklist Selection
Cross into the spirit realm with this thrilling supernatural debut about sisterhood and female defiance, perfect for fans of Kerri Maniscalco— inspired by lives of real teenage twin mediums in the 19th century.
Sacramento, 1885 … Edie and Violet Bond know the truth about death. The seventeen-year-old twins are powerful mediums, just like their mother—Violet can open the veil between life and death, and Edie can cross into the spirit world. But their abilities couldn’t save them when their mother died and their father threatened to commit them to a notorious asylum.
Now runaways, Edie and Violet are part of a traveling Spiritualist show, a tight-knit group of young women who demonstrate their real talents under the guise of communing with spirits. Each night, actresses, poets, musicians, and orators all make contact with spirits who happen to have something to say. . . notions that young ladies could never openly express.
But when Violet’s act goes terribly wrong one night, Edie learns that the dark spirit responsible for their mother’s death has crossed into the land of the living. As they investigate the identity of her mysterious final client, they realize that someone is hunting mediums. . .and they may be next. Only by trusting in one another can the twins uncover a killer who will stop at nothing to cheat death.
Available from your local independent bookstore or retailers such as: Barnes & Noble (Exclusive YA Book Club Edition) | Amazon | Bookshop | IndieBound | BAM
Also available as an audiobook: Libro.fm | Audible | B&N
Praise for The Second Death of Edie and Violet Bond
“Jam-packed with sisterly love, 19th-century Spiritualism, romance, mystery and nascent feminism, The Second Death of Edie and Violet Bond is a delicious historic novel for 21st-century book lovers of all stripes . . . . this debut novel from Amanda Glaze gives readers an energetic and exciting story that offers both passionate philosophical discourse and spooky séances.”
—Shelf Awareness, Starred Review
“The timely, gripping themes of sisterhood and fighting misogyny will resonate . . . . An impressive and eerie debut that will keep readers looking over their shoulders."
“[A] chilling historical fantasy debut…Glaze unflinchingly addresses themes of gender and social inequity. . . against a vividly eerie setting, while the central supernatural mystery, infused with elements of romance and action, propels the plot toward a haunting climax.”
“By turns fun and terrifying, this suspenseful historical adventure hits all the sweet spots on sisterhood, the supernatural, and budding romance.”
“A fun historical fantasy with an edge of creepy chiller."
—Booklist
“One of the most memorable titles you’ll read this month.”
—Paste Magazine
“Spooky historical fiction featuring twin mediums? This one is chef’s kiss perfect for this month.”
—The Honey Pop
“Chilling, suspenseful and romantic, THE SECOND DEATH OF EDIE AND VIOLET BOND combines all the best elements of historical fiction in this timely feminist novel.”
—The Young Folks
“In crisp, colorful prose, Glaze brings 19th century California to vivid life. . . Glaze offers thrilling, page-turning suspense – and a terrifying villain – as the novel hurtles to its dramatic conclusion.” —Buffalo News
“It’s a race to find a killer before finding death themselves in The Second Death of Edie and Violet Bond.” —Daily Mom
“Glaze’s top-notch work of risk and courage proves once again that an author’s debut can present extraordinary narrative and insight.” —Historical Novel Society
"Quick, witty, and delightfully creative, THE SECOND DEATH OF EDIE AND VIOLET BOND is a sensation."
—Elana K. Arnold, Printz Honor Award-winning author of Damsel
"Eerily atmospheric, expertly paced, and with a luscious world you'll want to escape into, fans of The Night Circus will devour Violet and Edie's story just like I did. A stunning debut!"
—Gretchen McNeil, author of Ten and #murdertrending
“Amanda Glaze’s debut novel is that rarest of things: a vivid historical tinged with magic, a moving story about the bond between two sisters, a tense, romantic thriller, and a prescient, feminist exploration of the courage it takes for women to set themselves free."
—Laura Ruby, Two-Time National Book Award Finalist and author of Bone Gap
"The Second Death of Edie and Violet Bond is a magical, magnificent work of historical fiction. With pitch-perfect dialogue and a sharp eye for detail, Amanda Glaze beautifully brings 1880s Sacramento to life. This is a story I won't soon forget and a new voice you don't want to miss."
—Brandy Colbert, award-winning author of Little & Lion