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The Two Deaths of Lillian Carmichael: A Novel
A young woman, perceived dead, plots to reinvent herself in a gripping historical gothic about secrets, superstition, and murder by the bestselling author of The Devil and Mrs. Davenport.
South Carolina, 1853. Lillian Carmichael, privileged daughter of a disgraced Charleston family, is due to be hanged for the murder of her sister when fate gives her a second chance at life.
After a catatonic episode on the long walk to the gallows, Lillian is declared dead and entombed in the family mausoleum. She awakens days later, buried alive, and flees to the Lowcountry marshes to survive on her wits and reinvent herself. All the while, a series of exsanguination murders holds the terrorized city in thrall—as do the superstitions that the vanished Lillian is some craven creature, resurrected and out for blood.
Lillian finds sanctuary in a crumbling former plantation and a friend in Kate O’Malley, a charismatic actress adept at fashioning new identities. The two form an intimate and powerful alliance, but as the body count rises, the manhunt for Lillian reaches a fever pitch. It will take both women’s cunning for her to escape the gallows again, and to find her freedom, Lillian must first cross paths with the real killer and confront her own family’s deepest, darkest secret.
South Carolina, 1853. Lillian Carmichael, privileged daughter of a disgraced Charleston family, is due to be hanged for the murder of her sister when fate gives her a second chance at life.
After a catatonic episode on the long walk to the gallows, Lillian is declared dead and entombed in the family mausoleum. She awakens days later, buried alive, and flees to the Lowcountry marshes to survive on her wits and reinvent herself. All the while, a series of exsanguination murders holds the terrorized city in thrall—as do the superstitions that the vanished Lillian is some craven creature, resurrected and out for blood.
Lillian finds sanctuary in a crumbling former plantation and a friend in Kate O’Malley, a charismatic actress adept at fashioning new identities. The two form an intimate and powerful alliance, but as the body count rises, the manhunt for Lillian reaches a fever pitch. It will take both women’s cunning for her to escape the gallows again, and to find her freedom, Lillian must first cross paths with the real killer and confront her own family’s deepest, darkest secret.
255 pages, Paperback
Published March 10, 2026
236 people are currently reading
5926 people want to read
About the author
Paulette Kennedy
8 books954 followersOriginally from the Missouri Ozarks, Paulette Kennedy now lives with her family in a quiet suburb of Los Angeles.
When she's not writing or reading, she enjoys tending to her garden, knitting, and finding unique vintage treasures at thrift stores and flea markets.
As a history lover, she can get lost for days in her research—learning everything she can about the places in her stories and the experiences her characters might have had in the past.
This dedication to research infuses her world-building with realistic detail and creates a cinematic, immersive experience for the reader.
Paulette’s next novel is The Devil and Mrs. Davenport, a domestic gothic set in the 1950s about a homemaker who develops psychic abilities after a viral illness.
When she's not writing or reading, she enjoys tending to her garden, knitting, and finding unique vintage treasures at thrift stores and flea markets.
As a history lover, she can get lost for days in her research—learning everything she can about the places in her stories and the experiences her characters might have had in the past.
This dedication to research infuses her world-building with realistic detail and creates a cinematic, immersive experience for the reader.
Paulette’s next novel is The Devil and Mrs. Davenport, a domestic gothic set in the 1950s about a homemaker who develops psychic abilities after a viral illness.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
It is 1853 in Charleston, South Carolina and Lillian Carmichael has been condemned for the murder of her sister, Rebecca, and now has a date with the hangman’s noose. After being buried alive in her family’s mausoleum, most people would believe Lillian’s story ends there…but this is exactly what she is counting on as she escapes into the wild wetlands on the outskirts of town. It is here she crosses paths with Kate O’Malley, a singer and actress with a chameleon-like ability to change her identity when it suits her. While Lillian finds refuge and safety with Kate, the murders of young women continue in Charleston. As the body count rises at a rapid rate, the community starts to believe that this level of slaughter must be the work of a vengeful vampiric creature. Once her empty casket is found, Lillian is forced to race against time and the actual murderer to vindicate herself and save Charleston from the true monster.
This was a fast-paced southern gothic with a huge heart. Kennedy is so talented at connecting the reader to the characters as well as constructing a dynamic, layered cast to tell her stories; it is one of her true strengths as a writer. The creeping dread and increasingly tense atmosphere were palpable, making this book irresistible and hard to put down. I found it particularly enthralling that the murderer generated a desperate, almost old-world vampire panic in a later time period, creating quite a clever convergence of eras. Character interactions were especially tense because of the excessive suspicion and fear of the murderer’s identity (which I did NOT manage to guess before the big reveal!). And lastly, I actually appreciated the shorter length of the book because every page seemed thoughtfully laid out and the plot revved up swiftly and inexorably to its culmination. Lillian’s story at its core is one of becoming, rebirth, and resilience. You must go read for yourself to see if Lillian is able to survive death a second time…either way, it is sure to be a fang-tastically murderous time!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC and the opportunity to share what I think! All opinions are my own.
This was a fast-paced southern gothic with a huge heart. Kennedy is so talented at connecting the reader to the characters as well as constructing a dynamic, layered cast to tell her stories; it is one of her true strengths as a writer. The creeping dread and increasingly tense atmosphere were palpable, making this book irresistible and hard to put down. I found it particularly enthralling that the murderer generated a desperate, almost old-world vampire panic in a later time period, creating quite a clever convergence of eras. Character interactions were especially tense because of the excessive suspicion and fear of the murderer’s identity (which I did NOT manage to guess before the big reveal!). And lastly, I actually appreciated the shorter length of the book because every page seemed thoughtfully laid out and the plot revved up swiftly and inexorably to its culmination. Lillian’s story at its core is one of becoming, rebirth, and resilience. You must go read for yourself to see if Lillian is able to survive death a second time…either way, it is sure to be a fang-tastically murderous time!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC and the opportunity to share what I think! All opinions are my own.
March 17, 2026
"These three things I know for certain: Arsenic has no taste, I did not kill my sister, and tomorrow, I will die."
Paulette Kennedy is a wonderful writer, and for much of this gothic tale, set in the antebellum South, I felt completely captivated. I liked the quirky narrative voice of Lillian, and was intrigued by the dazzling, mercurial Kate and how twisty the plot was.
The opening line, quoted above, reminded me of 'Twilight' ("About three things I was absolutely positive. First Edward was a vampire..."). This might be an intentional, tongue-in-cheek reference given that, in 'The Two Deaths of Lillian Carmichael', a vampire is suspected of carrying out a series of murders.
The book started off feeling like a witty "penny dreadful": playful with the gothic horror genre, perfect entertainment for a rainy Sunday afternoon. However, by the denouement, there was a shift in tone, and some elements were genuinely disturbing The book has trigger warnings, and I was perhaps a bit too blasé about these. By the end, I wasn't quite sure how I felt about the story - and perhaps need a bit more time to ponder this review...
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy.
Paulette Kennedy is a wonderful writer, and for much of this gothic tale, set in the antebellum South, I felt completely captivated. I liked the quirky narrative voice of Lillian, and was intrigued by the dazzling, mercurial Kate and how twisty the plot was.
The opening line, quoted above, reminded me of 'Twilight' ("About three things I was absolutely positive. First Edward was a vampire..."). This might be an intentional, tongue-in-cheek reference given that, in 'The Two Deaths of Lillian Carmichael', a vampire is suspected of carrying out a series of murders.
The book started off feeling like a witty "penny dreadful": playful with the gothic horror genre, perfect entertainment for a rainy Sunday afternoon. However, by the denouement, there was a shift in tone, and some elements were genuinely disturbing The book has trigger warnings, and I was perhaps a bit too blasé about these. By the end, I wasn't quite sure how I felt about the story - and perhaps need a bit more time to ponder this review...
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy.
December 24, 2025
3.5. There are plenty of interesting elements in this book, which made the reading experience quite enjoyable for me. At the same time, I couldn’t quite shake the feeling that some aspects could have been executed better, which ultimately lowered my rating.
This is a Southern Gothic novel set in 1850s Charleston that follows Lilian, a woman convicted of a murder she didn’t commit. After narrowly escaping the gallows, she is forced to hide in the surrounding marshes, where she eventually finds refuge on a plantation run by a charming and secretive actress named Kate, who is skilled at creating multiple identities. Feelings between them begin to bloom, but at the same time Lilian’s situation grows increasingly grim when people start to suspect that she might not actually be dead, and new murders occur around Charleston, once again placing her under suspicion.
As I mentioned, there’s a lot to like here. From a historical fiction perspective, the book explores some very intriguing concepts, such as the 19th-century vampire fever. Because the story is set just before the Civil War, it also offers glimpses into the political tensions and social structures of a city deeply tied to the slave trade. The novel is clearly well researched, especially when it comes to the topography and local history of Charleston. I also found the story engaging. It was a quick, easy read with good pacing that kept me eager to find out what would happen next.
I particularly enjoyed the first part of the book. It was atmospheric and tense, and the stakes felt high. Lilian is a well-written protagonist, and Paulette Kennedy’s strength in creating compelling female characters definitely shows here. However, the closer the story got to the ending, the weaker some elements became. In particular, the final chapters felt rushed. I wish the climax had been built up more carefully, with certain plot points explored in greater depth. As it stands, everything happens very quickly—once the real killer is revealed, the story moves to its conclusion within a chapter or two, which makes some moments feel unearned. Because of this, I struggled to fully empathize with Lilian’s final decision. I wanted her reasoning to be more grounded in what we had seen earlier in the story. In its current form, I felt almost nothing after finishing the book. It’s a bit ironic to say this, since I’m not usually a fan of long books, but I genuinely think this novel would have benefited from being about 50 pages longer.
Overall, I’m sure that this book will be a hit for a lot of people. It’s an interesting, well-researched, and accessible book, especially for fans of Gothic fiction with strong female leads. While I enjoyed my time with it, some flaws make me unsure how much of it I’ll remember a year from now.
Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This is a Southern Gothic novel set in 1850s Charleston that follows Lilian, a woman convicted of a murder she didn’t commit. After narrowly escaping the gallows, she is forced to hide in the surrounding marshes, where she eventually finds refuge on a plantation run by a charming and secretive actress named Kate, who is skilled at creating multiple identities. Feelings between them begin to bloom, but at the same time Lilian’s situation grows increasingly grim when people start to suspect that she might not actually be dead, and new murders occur around Charleston, once again placing her under suspicion.
As I mentioned, there’s a lot to like here. From a historical fiction perspective, the book explores some very intriguing concepts, such as the 19th-century vampire fever. Because the story is set just before the Civil War, it also offers glimpses into the political tensions and social structures of a city deeply tied to the slave trade. The novel is clearly well researched, especially when it comes to the topography and local history of Charleston. I also found the story engaging. It was a quick, easy read with good pacing that kept me eager to find out what would happen next.
I particularly enjoyed the first part of the book. It was atmospheric and tense, and the stakes felt high. Lilian is a well-written protagonist, and Paulette Kennedy’s strength in creating compelling female characters definitely shows here. However, the closer the story got to the ending, the weaker some elements became. In particular, the final chapters felt rushed. I wish the climax had been built up more carefully, with certain plot points explored in greater depth. As it stands, everything happens very quickly—once the real killer is revealed, the story moves to its conclusion within a chapter or two, which makes some moments feel unearned. Because of this, I struggled to fully empathize with Lilian’s final decision. I wanted her reasoning to be more grounded in what we had seen earlier in the story. In its current form, I felt almost nothing after finishing the book. It’s a bit ironic to say this, since I’m not usually a fan of long books, but I genuinely think this novel would have benefited from being about 50 pages longer.
Overall, I’m sure that this book will be a hit for a lot of people. It’s an interesting, well-researched, and accessible book, especially for fans of Gothic fiction with strong female leads. While I enjoyed my time with it, some flaws make me unsure how much of it I’ll remember a year from now.
Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
January 14, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️1/4 (3.25 stars)
Have you ever dreamed about accidentally being buried alive? Or was it just me?
As someone who was utterly intrigued when reading the synopsis of this book, I have to say that it does partly live up to all the mystery and intrigue I imagined it having.
Lilian, our main character, both infuriated me and made me feel so so much sympathy for her. I really felt as if I was living with her through all of her experiences and struggles after being accused of the murder of her sister and countless other women to come. What I really liked about her character was the way she learned to never fully trust someone over the course of the book and how she kept being true to herself till the very end, how she chose to do good despite many people wronging her (I also adored her way of stealing only from the rich! It gave me a bit of a Robin Hood vibe). Speaking about trust, I also really liked the way Kate’s character was written and how she had so many facets to her! It made reading her relationship with Lilian even more interesting because one could never fully trust her either. And I loved this type of mystery which was created this way.
Besides that, I also wanna praise this book for all the historical research that went into it and how it is pretty accurate in terms of premature burials at that time,the civil war south, slavery and the vibe of the Victorian era (at parts I actually got flashbacks of reading one of Sarah Waters books and I have to admit, I adored that way the book was sooo good in replicating this Victorian style). I also liked that its main character were critical of slavery and how the acted in favor of its abolishment.
However, the book still had its few flaws. I, for one, felt like it dragged the whole mystery aspect of who the real killer is very long. Though I enjoyed reading it, I felt like the big reveal could’ve come earlier. I also feel like some characters were led off very easily and I also would’ve loved to have known more of certain characters past or even if Lilian met them again.
Nevertheless, this book really shines with delivering the right atmosphere (or vibe as I mentioned) and I do think that it’s worth a read, especially for those who enjoy a historical story with sapphic themes, speculations about vampires and a great atmosphere.
Have you ever dreamed about accidentally being buried alive? Or was it just me?
As someone who was utterly intrigued when reading the synopsis of this book, I have to say that it does partly live up to all the mystery and intrigue I imagined it having.
Lilian, our main character, both infuriated me and made me feel so so much sympathy for her. I really felt as if I was living with her through all of her experiences and struggles after being accused of the murder of her sister and countless other women to come. What I really liked about her character was the way she learned to never fully trust someone over the course of the book and how she kept being true to herself till the very end, how she chose to do good despite many people wronging her (I also adored her way of stealing only from the rich! It gave me a bit of a Robin Hood vibe). Speaking about trust, I also really liked the way Kate’s character was written and how she had so many facets to her! It made reading her relationship with Lilian even more interesting because one could never fully trust her either. And I loved this type of mystery which was created this way.
Besides that, I also wanna praise this book for all the historical research that went into it and how it is pretty accurate in terms of premature burials at that time,the civil war south, slavery and the vibe of the Victorian era (at parts I actually got flashbacks of reading one of Sarah Waters books and I have to admit, I adored that way the book was sooo good in replicating this Victorian style). I also liked that its main character were critical of slavery and how the acted in favor of its abolishment.
However, the book still had its few flaws. I, for one, felt like it dragged the whole mystery aspect of who the real killer is very long. Though I enjoyed reading it, I felt like the big reveal could’ve come earlier. I also feel like some characters were led off very easily and I also would’ve loved to have known more of certain characters past or even if Lilian met them again.
Nevertheless, this book really shines with delivering the right atmosphere (or vibe as I mentioned) and I do think that it’s worth a read, especially for those who enjoy a historical story with sapphic themes, speculations about vampires and a great atmosphere.
February 13, 2026
The Two Deaths of Lillian Carmichael by Paulette Kennedy. Thanks to @amazonpublishing for the gifted Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Lillian Carmichael is accused of killing her sister but becomes catatonic on her way to execution. She’s declared dead and buried, but rises days later and runs into hiding. Her story quickly becomes lore, as women begin being found dead with their blood drained.
Paulette Kennedy is one of my favorite authors. I loved BlackBerry Grange and Mrs Davenport. I guess you just can’t love them all, and that’s okay! There were parts of this I did really like. I loved Lillian’s character and her activities when she was on the run. I wasn’t in love with Kate’s character and didn’t really understand the play with different identities. The sec scenes were not for me; and I say that as one who is not a prude and I enjoy some steam but they way they were written was just not my cup of tea. That said, there is an interesting story behind it and if you like dark romances, vampire stories, definitely give it a try and maybe it’ll be your favorite!
“My whole life it’s been one coffin after another.”
Read if you like:
-Sapphic romances
-Historical fiction and romances
-Women on the run or in hiding
-Vampires!
The Two Deaths of Lillian Carmichael comes out 3/10.
Lillian Carmichael is accused of killing her sister but becomes catatonic on her way to execution. She’s declared dead and buried, but rises days later and runs into hiding. Her story quickly becomes lore, as women begin being found dead with their blood drained.
Paulette Kennedy is one of my favorite authors. I loved BlackBerry Grange and Mrs Davenport. I guess you just can’t love them all, and that’s okay! There were parts of this I did really like. I loved Lillian’s character and her activities when she was on the run. I wasn’t in love with Kate’s character and didn’t really understand the play with different identities. The sec scenes were not for me; and I say that as one who is not a prude and I enjoy some steam but they way they were written was just not my cup of tea. That said, there is an interesting story behind it and if you like dark romances, vampire stories, definitely give it a try and maybe it’ll be your favorite!
“My whole life it’s been one coffin after another.”
Read if you like:
-Sapphic romances
-Historical fiction and romances
-Women on the run or in hiding
-Vampires!
The Two Deaths of Lillian Carmichael comes out 3/10.
February 20, 2026
Rating is 4.75 stars rounded up
I was pulled in right away by that very first line! The writing was so vivid, allowing me to fully picture the Charleston setting. I loved the switching POVs between Lillian and the Vampire diary, the tension it created with the mystery of what was happening to the young women!
I didn’t want to put this down but had to at one point due to illness 😭 As soon as I was even the tiniest bit improved I dove back in and devoured Lillian’s story! The characters had so much depth to them, I couldn’t put my finger on Kate and trying to puzzle out her motives (which I loved).
I didn’t always love the spicy scenes mostly because I wasn’t expecting them and some of the language used in place of the actual anatomical terms. But for the most part I did enjoy watching their relationship evolve throughout the novel, curious to see where it was going/how it would be affected by the plot and time period!
This is my third book from Kennedy and just proved once again how much I love her writing and ability to take inspiration from history and folklore to craft such phenomenal stories!
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union for the eARC
I was pulled in right away by that very first line! The writing was so vivid, allowing me to fully picture the Charleston setting. I loved the switching POVs between Lillian and the Vampire diary, the tension it created with the mystery of what was happening to the young women!
I didn’t want to put this down but had to at one point due to illness 😭 As soon as I was even the tiniest bit improved I dove back in and devoured Lillian’s story! The characters had so much depth to them, I couldn’t put my finger on Kate and trying to puzzle out her motives (which I loved).
I didn’t always love the spicy scenes mostly because I wasn’t expecting them and some of the language used in place of the actual anatomical terms. But for the most part I did enjoy watching their relationship evolve throughout the novel, curious to see where it was going/how it would be affected by the plot and time period!
This is my third book from Kennedy and just proved once again how much I love her writing and ability to take inspiration from history and folklore to craft such phenomenal stories!
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union for the eARC
December 3, 2025
Nobody creates an FMC like Paulette Kennedy. LIllian Carmichael is a flawed yet intriguing, frustrating yet inspiring, stubborn yet caring character marred by familial trauma and long-buried secrets.
Lillian has been convicted of killing her frail and beautiful sister, a sister who stole her betrothed. But collapsing on her way to the noose, Lillian is declared dead and placed in the family’s mausoleum. She awakens days later and sees a way to start a new life, hiding in the swamps around Charleston.
And so begins Lillian second life, with new companions, new threats, new love, responsibilities, dangers and opportunities. A thrilling, sexy, twisty gothic novel with a blood thirsty killer who seems to know Lillian’s secrets.
A fast and tense read, that kept me guessing and flying through the chapters.
Thank you @NetGalley and @lakeunionpublishing for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Lillian has been convicted of killing her frail and beautiful sister, a sister who stole her betrothed. But collapsing on her way to the noose, Lillian is declared dead and placed in the family’s mausoleum. She awakens days later and sees a way to start a new life, hiding in the swamps around Charleston.
And so begins Lillian second life, with new companions, new threats, new love, responsibilities, dangers and opportunities. A thrilling, sexy, twisty gothic novel with a blood thirsty killer who seems to know Lillian’s secrets.
A fast and tense read, that kept me guessing and flying through the chapters.
Thank you @NetGalley and @lakeunionpublishing for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
October 22, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, Paulette Kennedy and the publisher for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
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I was drawn to The Two Deaths of Lillian Carmichael by its intriguing premise: a gothic tale of survival, reinvention, and murder set in 1850s South Carolina. The opening chapters delivered on that promise, setting up a dark and atmospheric story with a sense of mystery and danger that immediately caught my attention.
Unfortunately, after that strong start, the story began to lose its focus. The writing and pacing were inconsistent; just as I started to settle into the rhythm, it would shift again and pull me out of the narrative. Some passages were overly detailed about things that didn’t seem to matter, while others felt rushed or confusing. The dialogue often came across as stiff, especially early on, and only Kate’s character maintained some consistency throughout.
The dual points of view didn’t quite work for me. The killer’s perspective, which added more confusion than depth, felt rather... unnecessary. Still, there were glimmers of potential in the book’s setting and atmosphere. I liked the eerie isolation of the marshes and the grand house where Kate and Lillian lived, even if those moments could have felt more vivid.
By the end, I was left mostly confused. I understood Lillian’s final choice and found a small sense of satisfaction in her finding purpose, but overall the execution didn’t live up to the intriguing concept. The Two Deaths of Lillian Carmichael had all the ingredients for a compelling gothic mystery, but the result felt scattered and hard to follow.
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I was drawn to The Two Deaths of Lillian Carmichael by its intriguing premise: a gothic tale of survival, reinvention, and murder set in 1850s South Carolina. The opening chapters delivered on that promise, setting up a dark and atmospheric story with a sense of mystery and danger that immediately caught my attention.
Unfortunately, after that strong start, the story began to lose its focus. The writing and pacing were inconsistent; just as I started to settle into the rhythm, it would shift again and pull me out of the narrative. Some passages were overly detailed about things that didn’t seem to matter, while others felt rushed or confusing. The dialogue often came across as stiff, especially early on, and only Kate’s character maintained some consistency throughout.
The dual points of view didn’t quite work for me. The killer’s perspective, which added more confusion than depth, felt rather... unnecessary. Still, there were glimmers of potential in the book’s setting and atmosphere. I liked the eerie isolation of the marshes and the grand house where Kate and Lillian lived, even if those moments could have felt more vivid.
By the end, I was left mostly confused. I understood Lillian’s final choice and found a small sense of satisfaction in her finding purpose, but overall the execution didn’t live up to the intriguing concept. The Two Deaths of Lillian Carmichael had all the ingredients for a compelling gothic mystery, but the result felt scattered and hard to follow.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75 (rounded up)
"They say death comes in threes. That tragedy, unlike lightening, strikes the same family over and over. The specter of mourning, once invited in, is loath to leave."
Wow! What a line! Swoon. No one can deny Kennedy's craft of creating a striking gothic tale. She leaves nothing out. Dark but delicious, there is death, suspense, and impending doom. We've got ourselves an isolated manor. We've got irrationality and town hysterics. And? We have a promise of the supernatural. All the elements of a quintessential gothic novel, and I am a gothic novel super fan! Let's go.
The first half of the story had me absolutely glued to the pages. I loved the build up to the first death of Lillian Carmichael. Talk about hooking your reader! Our female protagonist is the perfect portrait of a damsel in distress. Cruelly villainized by the tyrannical men in her life and painted as wicked, she is sent to her death with heinous family secrets up her sleeve. This is all written superbly.
In the second half, we get to see our damsel in distress flex a bit. We are introduced to some big persona, and the story begins to take off in a direction I was not expecting. Our narrative went rather heavy on the romance, and unfortunately, anything supernatural took an almost nonexistent back burner. That's not to say it wasn't done well, it was. It's just to say my own personal preference would have been the other way around. I needed less love scenes and more "monster." The secrets we do become privy to are horrifying, and done in true macabre fashion.
Final thoughts? While this personally wasn't my favorite Kennedy novel, there is no denying she is a queen of gothic storytelling. She is, and will continue to be, an autobuy author for a reason!
"They say death comes in threes. That tragedy, unlike lightening, strikes the same family over and over. The specter of mourning, once invited in, is loath to leave."
Wow! What a line! Swoon. No one can deny Kennedy's craft of creating a striking gothic tale. She leaves nothing out. Dark but delicious, there is death, suspense, and impending doom. We've got ourselves an isolated manor. We've got irrationality and town hysterics. And? We have a promise of the supernatural. All the elements of a quintessential gothic novel, and I am a gothic novel super fan! Let's go.
The first half of the story had me absolutely glued to the pages. I loved the build up to the first death of Lillian Carmichael. Talk about hooking your reader! Our female protagonist is the perfect portrait of a damsel in distress. Cruelly villainized by the tyrannical men in her life and painted as wicked, she is sent to her death with heinous family secrets up her sleeve. This is all written superbly.
In the second half, we get to see our damsel in distress flex a bit. We are introduced to some big persona, and the story begins to take off in a direction I was not expecting. Our narrative went rather heavy on the romance, and unfortunately, anything supernatural took an almost nonexistent back burner. That's not to say it wasn't done well, it was. It's just to say my own personal preference would have been the other way around. I needed less love scenes and more "monster." The secrets we do become privy to are horrifying, and done in true macabre fashion.
Final thoughts? While this personally wasn't my favorite Kennedy novel, there is no denying she is a queen of gothic storytelling. She is, and will continue to be, an autobuy author for a reason!
March 14, 2026
3.5 rounded to 4
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October 21, 2025
I received this book for free and exchange for an honest review from NetGalley.
⭐️⭐️
If I had to read the word “sweetling” one more time, I was going to become another victim of this story.
I wanted to love this one. Southern gothic atmosphere was moody and beautifully done; but that’s about where it stopped for me. The pacing was painfully slow, the romance took over more than I cared for, and the story was heavy with abuse (both sexual and physical), violence, and way more sex scenes than necessary. Call me a prude, blah, blah. I am not opposed to them but I thought this was a horror/thriller book and it did NOT hit those genres for me.
If you’re in it for the atmosphere and southern gothic vibes, you might enjoy it. Or if you like a twisty romance, this book is for you. But for me, this one just dragged and left me more frustrated than fascinated.
Also, this is a real quote: "Indeed my delectable little crumpet." 🤢
⭐️⭐️
If I had to read the word “sweetling” one more time, I was going to become another victim of this story.
I wanted to love this one. Southern gothic atmosphere was moody and beautifully done; but that’s about where it stopped for me. The pacing was painfully slow, the romance took over more than I cared for, and the story was heavy with abuse (both sexual and physical), violence, and way more sex scenes than necessary. Call me a prude, blah, blah. I am not opposed to them but I thought this was a horror/thriller book and it did NOT hit those genres for me.
If you’re in it for the atmosphere and southern gothic vibes, you might enjoy it. Or if you like a twisty romance, this book is for you. But for me, this one just dragged and left me more frustrated than fascinated.
Also, this is a real quote: "Indeed my delectable little crumpet." 🤢
March 16, 2026
A tense, atmospheric Southern Gothic in which a young woman wrongly convicted for murdering her sister becomes a fugitive hiding from the law, only to also become the scapegoat for a killer prowling the streets of Charleston in 1853, racking up the bodies of young women, their exsanguination raising public suspicions of vampirism. Since the heroine escaped her tomb, she’s the obvious suspect, so she sets off to find the real killer with the help of a new friend and soon lover who’s remarkably adept at disguises. Kennedy plays with themes around identity, gender, and power as the heroine uncovers atrocities in her own family’s past and links them to the ongoing crimes. The romance offers an interesting parallel to the murder mystery as the two women explore the nature of control and the vulnerability of trust, both elements that play strong roles in the murder-victim relationship as well. We get glimpses into the murderer’s POV through a vampiric diary, a device that keeps the reader in suspense about whether vampires are real in the world or not. Either way, a monster is on the loose, and with each new murder, the tension ratchets up, cleverly balanced with rising tension in the romance as the heroine wonders if she truly has an ally, or if she’s being played for a fool. The story unfolds at a fast pace, with lots of action, so it reads like a page-turner, but it’s packed with interesting threads about South Carolina history, fun twists on public fervour about vampirism, disturbing family secrets to uncover, and complex looks at the impact of trauma on all that follows. An eerie and engaging read from unsettling start to spectacular finish.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Beautifully written and touching southern gothic story of a woman who gets to discover what she really wants in life, once her whole world gets ripped away.
Lillian Carmichael has been sentenced to death for killing her sister. She claims she's innocent but there's something holding her back from proving it. Then a few days after what was supposed to be her death day she wakes up in her coffin. We follow Lillian trying to navigate her second chance at life, while a mysterious person starts killing women of Charleston.
I love how layered this story is. For a relatively short book there's so much to this story with plenty of twists and turns. Lillian is a complex character who's sometimes difficult to like. She seems to have a lot of compassion and yet somehow gets very stuck in her way when people don't behave the way that makes her their priority. It made her into a really fascinating character to follow.
I've really enjoyed the way so many mysteries played part in this story. We have the mystery of what happened to Lillian's sister, and the mystery of the killer's identity, and the mystery of Kate. How trustworthy is she and what is her back story? None of them had an obvious answers until the final reveal and yet they had enough hints throughout the story that the reveal didn't feel like it came out of nowhere.
This was my first Paulette Kennedy book and now I look forward to reading more of her works.
Thank you to paulette Kennedy and Lake Union Publishing for this ARC.
Lillian Carmichael has been sentenced to death for killing her sister. She claims she's innocent but there's something holding her back from proving it. Then a few days after what was supposed to be her death day she wakes up in her coffin. We follow Lillian trying to navigate her second chance at life, while a mysterious person starts killing women of Charleston.
I love how layered this story is. For a relatively short book there's so much to this story with plenty of twists and turns. Lillian is a complex character who's sometimes difficult to like. She seems to have a lot of compassion and yet somehow gets very stuck in her way when people don't behave the way that makes her their priority. It made her into a really fascinating character to follow.
I've really enjoyed the way so many mysteries played part in this story. We have the mystery of what happened to Lillian's sister, and the mystery of the killer's identity, and the mystery of Kate. How trustworthy is she and what is her back story? None of them had an obvious answers until the final reveal and yet they had enough hints throughout the story that the reveal didn't feel like it came out of nowhere.
This was my first Paulette Kennedy book and now I look forward to reading more of her works.
Thank you to paulette Kennedy and Lake Union Publishing for this ARC.
March 8, 2026
The Two Deaths of Lillian Carmichael is a sapphic southern gothic set in 1853, blending horror, murder mystery, and self discovery.
After being accused of murdering her sister, Lillian Carmichael narrowly escapes the gallows when she has a catatonic episode. She awakens in her family's mausoleum, alive when she should be dead. Fleeing to the marshlands, she finds more than refuge with androgynous Kate O'Malley.
But Lillian's second chance quickly darkens. Women begin turning up dead, their bodies drained of blood. When Lillian's empty coffin is discovered, suspicions turn to her. As the murders continue she must confront the truth behind the killings and her own family secrets.
A fast paced audiobook that held my attention, with an eerie atmosphere that translated well in to audio. I enjoyed the experience, and the ending wrapped up the story nicely. Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for this ALC.
After being accused of murdering her sister, Lillian Carmichael narrowly escapes the gallows when she has a catatonic episode. She awakens in her family's mausoleum, alive when she should be dead. Fleeing to the marshlands, she finds more than refuge with androgynous Kate O'Malley.
But Lillian's second chance quickly darkens. Women begin turning up dead, their bodies drained of blood. When Lillian's empty coffin is discovered, suspicions turn to her. As the murders continue she must confront the truth behind the killings and her own family secrets.
A fast paced audiobook that held my attention, with an eerie atmosphere that translated well in to audio. I enjoyed the experience, and the ending wrapped up the story nicely. Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for this ALC.
October 25, 2025
Paulette Kennedy returns with another southern gothic with The Two Deaths of Lillian Carmichael.
In 1850s South Carolina, Lillian Carmichael wakes from the dead after her execution. She must live in disguise to escape the threat of being imprisoned once again for the murder of her sister. Lillian finds solace with Kate, a master of disguise who teaches her how to live in the shadows. But it's within these shadows that a predator is on the loose, draining innocent women of their blood. Lillian's resurrection comes with a heavy price as the predator sets its eyes on her, threatening her life and freedom.
I am a fan of Paulette Kennedy's writing as her southern gothic's always balance the psychological with the supernatural really well. This story started off very strong with Lillian waking up in a mausoleum and having to create a new life for herself. The eeriness of this created a high stakes tension that had me excited for the story. Heavy themes were explored such as medical malpractice, abuse, slavery, wrongful convictions, that all came together by the end of the story. I appreciate the author for her bravery in exploring dark themes in her books. While it's not easy for me as a reader to read such topics, I always finish Paulette's books having learned something new. I feel this was a good gothic as the supernatural elements were devices used to explore disturbing aspects of the past.
For my own personal taste, I didn't like the intimate scenes as they were too graphic. I also thought the Sapphic element took away from the creepiness of the story that was successfully introduced in the first few chapters. The story is highly original and had me guessing until the very end. Despite not caring for the romance and some graphic scenes, the overall plot was unique and dark enough to make me want to solve the mystery. While it's not Paulette Kennedy's best book, it's still a good gothic with enough mystery and mayhem to appeal to fans of the genre.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a free arc via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.
In 1850s South Carolina, Lillian Carmichael wakes from the dead after her execution. She must live in disguise to escape the threat of being imprisoned once again for the murder of her sister. Lillian finds solace with Kate, a master of disguise who teaches her how to live in the shadows. But it's within these shadows that a predator is on the loose, draining innocent women of their blood. Lillian's resurrection comes with a heavy price as the predator sets its eyes on her, threatening her life and freedom.
I am a fan of Paulette Kennedy's writing as her southern gothic's always balance the psychological with the supernatural really well. This story started off very strong with Lillian waking up in a mausoleum and having to create a new life for herself. The eeriness of this created a high stakes tension that had me excited for the story. Heavy themes were explored such as medical malpractice, abuse, slavery, wrongful convictions, that all came together by the end of the story. I appreciate the author for her bravery in exploring dark themes in her books. While it's not easy for me as a reader to read such topics, I always finish Paulette's books having learned something new. I feel this was a good gothic as the supernatural elements were devices used to explore disturbing aspects of the past.
For my own personal taste, I didn't like the intimate scenes as they were too graphic. I also thought the Sapphic element took away from the creepiness of the story that was successfully introduced in the first few chapters. The story is highly original and had me guessing until the very end. Despite not caring for the romance and some graphic scenes, the overall plot was unique and dark enough to make me want to solve the mystery. While it's not Paulette Kennedy's best book, it's still a good gothic with enough mystery and mayhem to appeal to fans of the genre.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a free arc via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.
February 19, 2026
Firstly thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the advanced copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.
This book tells the story of Lilian Carmichael who is set to be executed after murdering her sister . The story then follows Lilian after she wakes buried in her coffin and the struggles she goes through to try to clear her name. This is set in South Carolina before the American Civil War so has a lot of historical references including slavery,abolitions and class differences so check triggers . It was a really fast paced read and I was surprised interested by the vampire element but could have done without the romance . 3.75 ⭐️ rounded down
This book tells the story of Lilian Carmichael who is set to be executed after murdering her sister . The story then follows Lilian after she wakes buried in her coffin and the struggles she goes through to try to clear her name. This is set in South Carolina before the American Civil War so has a lot of historical references including slavery,abolitions and class differences so check triggers . It was a really fast paced read and I was surprised interested by the vampire element but could have done without the romance . 3.75 ⭐️ rounded down
February 19, 2026
3.5⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced reader copy. This is a story about Lillian, a woman sentenced to death for murdering her sister. She escapes the gallows and goes into hiding where she meets Kate. A love story, a vampire on a killing spree and several twists and turns involved made this an entertaining novel and the authors note at the end was really informative.
February 13, 2026
I loved the first part of this book. Our main character is supposed to be killed but she faints or something on the way to the gallows and she gets placed into a coffin alive. She breaks free and has to reinvent her life. That's the interesting part of the story.
March 17, 2026
It pains me to say this, since Paulette Kennedy is one of my favorite authors, but this just did not work for me. I feel like there was just too much happening. And I was not expecting the level of spice! I very much could’ve done without that.
March 17, 2026
Dear The Two Deaths of Lillian Carmichael,
I was so completely hooked by your story! I was so intrigued by how Lillian got herself into trouble, and had to know how she wiggled her way out of the precarious situation she found herself in. You had so many twists and turns for me, and kept me guessing the entire way through. I don't want to say much more, because I don't want to give anything away, but I highly enjoyed you!!!!
I was so completely hooked by your story! I was so intrigued by how Lillian got herself into trouble, and had to know how she wiggled her way out of the precarious situation she found herself in. You had so many twists and turns for me, and kept me guessing the entire way through. I don't want to say much more, because I don't want to give anything away, but I highly enjoyed you!!!!
November 13, 2025
"It's not the thought of death that concerns me: it's the getting there I dread."
As always, thanks to NetGalley for providing another great advanced reader copy. This is the first novel I have read by Paulette Kennedy, and it will not be the last.
I went into this reading blindly. I choose to review this book based on the title alone. The sound of two deaths for anyone is cause enough to stop any person viewing it. Little did I know the contents inside would be even more of an adventure than I anticipated.
The story is set in mid 1800s (1853 I believe). And it tells a tale of a young girl who is falsely accused of murdering her sister. While on her walk to the gallows, she passes out, and wakes up buried alive. She escapes the burial confines, but then has to lead a second life that is so far from the life she had before. And this is when the story begins to twist.
I was surprised three times in Lillian's story. The first when a vampire enters the storyline. As vampire fiction is the foundation of the majority of my readings, I certainly did not expect this. I could have if I had read the synopsis, possibly. The second time was when Lillian's tragic story evolves into a sapphic love story. Finally, the third time was who the vampire was revealed to be.
Overall, I think this was a well read book. It was filled with a driving story. The story itself was filled with characters who you could champion, despise, and want to read more about (Ruby and her father come to mind). It also tackled many diverse topics: slavery, sexuality, women's oppression, race, class, gender, sexual identity, grief and trauma, but also the resiliency of women in an era when they're looked at as objects for desire, breeding, and servants of mens every need.
The question that I was left with though, is was it normal in this time period to take two years to sentence a person to death when those in power were thought the criminal was guilty without any doubt? It seems that in this period, I would think it would have been done so more expeditiously?
Memorable quotes:
"It's not the thought of death that concerns me; it's the getting there I dread."
"In this, my newly resurrected life, I vow to be a little more selfish and unconcerned with the opinions of others."
"I've been given a second chance at life. But without money or food, my miraculous resurrection won't feel miraculous long."
"This Sally was once someone's beloved daughter. Someone's friend. I wonder about her life and what led her to this sad end."
"I took a few lovers of the years. The body has its needs, after all."
As always, thanks to NetGalley for providing another great advanced reader copy. This is the first novel I have read by Paulette Kennedy, and it will not be the last.
I went into this reading blindly. I choose to review this book based on the title alone. The sound of two deaths for anyone is cause enough to stop any person viewing it. Little did I know the contents inside would be even more of an adventure than I anticipated.
The story is set in mid 1800s (1853 I believe). And it tells a tale of a young girl who is falsely accused of murdering her sister. While on her walk to the gallows, she passes out, and wakes up buried alive. She escapes the burial confines, but then has to lead a second life that is so far from the life she had before. And this is when the story begins to twist.
I was surprised three times in Lillian's story. The first when a vampire enters the storyline. As vampire fiction is the foundation of the majority of my readings, I certainly did not expect this. I could have if I had read the synopsis, possibly. The second time was when Lillian's tragic story evolves into a sapphic love story. Finally, the third time was who the vampire was revealed to be.
Overall, I think this was a well read book. It was filled with a driving story. The story itself was filled with characters who you could champion, despise, and want to read more about (Ruby and her father come to mind). It also tackled many diverse topics: slavery, sexuality, women's oppression, race, class, gender, sexual identity, grief and trauma, but also the resiliency of women in an era when they're looked at as objects for desire, breeding, and servants of mens every need.
The question that I was left with though, is was it normal in this time period to take two years to sentence a person to death when those in power were thought the criminal was guilty without any doubt? It seems that in this period, I would think it would have been done so more expeditiously?
Memorable quotes:
"It's not the thought of death that concerns me; it's the getting there I dread."
"In this, my newly resurrected life, I vow to be a little more selfish and unconcerned with the opinions of others."
"I've been given a second chance at life. But without money or food, my miraculous resurrection won't feel miraculous long."
"This Sally was once someone's beloved daughter. Someone's friend. I wonder about her life and what led her to this sad end."
"I took a few lovers of the years. The body has its needs, after all."
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Finished reading: February 20th 2026
"Life is hardly ever that easy. And our best-laid plans are often a trap we set for ourselves."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
REVIEW
March 10, 2026
Many thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union for an advance readers’ copy of this book.
Paulette Kennedy is a master of the art of southern gothic fiction, and with a murder, an execution, an escape from the tomb and half a dozen deaths of beautiful young women at the hands of a vampire to its credit, this book certainly confirms her status.
The setting is pre-Civil War Charleston, with the action taking place among ‘the chivalry,’ as affluent white social climbers loved to be known. That the enslavement of Blacks is a troubling social issue is touched on through two minor characters who flee to Canada, mention of abolitionism, and the lead female character’s pious father, an abolitionist itself.
The real focus, however, is ‘vampire panic,’ not race hatred. The novel opens with the musings of a young woman on death row. Lillian Carmichael had, by her own admission, lived a pampered and sheltered life. All of that crashed resoundingly when her twin sister Rachel was found dead, and Lillian was charged and found guilty. The motive was purportedly jealousy; the erstwhile fiance had told Lillian matter of factly that Rachel needed him more, having been sickly all her life, as he asked for his ring to bestow on Rachel. Lillian maintains her innocence even as she is roughly walked up the stairs to the gallows.
The next thing that happens is that she wakes up, several days later, in her coffin in the family mausoleum. The description of her trying to kick her way out of it had me gasping for air. That is her first death, and thus begins her second life. Roughing it in the marshy Lowcountry, she is badly injured by stepping on a boar trap. She is saved by a man she describes as tall and beautiful, who knows enough about primitive medicine to attend to her wound and nurse her back to health. Soon, Lillian and Andrew Mayhew are in love.
To this point, I was enjoying myself. Kennedy writes in a rich gothic style, Lillian is an appealing damsel in distress, and Andrew is all that one could want in a hero. Except that he soon manifests into several different characters, and, rather quickly as the plot picks up speed, he reveals himself to be an actor named Kate. Lillian is just as besotted with Kate as with her manly alter ego, and there are a number of lavishly detailed sex scenes that follow.
By this time, Charleston society is clamouring about Lillian’s empty tomb, and several young women have been found murdered in the most hideous way. Lillian becomes the primary suspect. Between them, the women come up with a plan to convince those who had already tried to hang Lillian that she would be killed by a stake through the heart, the vampirologist being Kate as a man.
Theresa is some suspense as more women die and more people become fascinated by ‘vampirology,’ an actual pseudo-science, but, by this time I really dislike Kate. She is extremely manipulative and asserts control over the smitten Lillian. She seems to snap back and forth between lover and master, past the point where it’s just a titillating sex game.
Needless to say, because Lillian was never a vampire and Kate was never a vampire slayer, the women still have some plotting to do. I found the book’s closing chapters rushing towards resolution, with a great rush of clues coming forward and an odd conclusion. The epilogue, dated 30 years later, ties up some loose ends, almost more than it needs to. Readers should be warned that there are descriptions of sexual abuse and medical experimentation.
Paulette Kennedy is a master of the art of southern gothic fiction, and with a murder, an execution, an escape from the tomb and half a dozen deaths of beautiful young women at the hands of a vampire to its credit, this book certainly confirms her status.
The setting is pre-Civil War Charleston, with the action taking place among ‘the chivalry,’ as affluent white social climbers loved to be known. That the enslavement of Blacks is a troubling social issue is touched on through two minor characters who flee to Canada, mention of abolitionism, and the lead female character’s pious father, an abolitionist itself.
The real focus, however, is ‘vampire panic,’ not race hatred. The novel opens with the musings of a young woman on death row. Lillian Carmichael had, by her own admission, lived a pampered and sheltered life. All of that crashed resoundingly when her twin sister Rachel was found dead, and Lillian was charged and found guilty. The motive was purportedly jealousy; the erstwhile fiance had told Lillian matter of factly that Rachel needed him more, having been sickly all her life, as he asked for his ring to bestow on Rachel. Lillian maintains her innocence even as she is roughly walked up the stairs to the gallows.
The next thing that happens is that she wakes up, several days later, in her coffin in the family mausoleum. The description of her trying to kick her way out of it had me gasping for air. That is her first death, and thus begins her second life. Roughing it in the marshy Lowcountry, she is badly injured by stepping on a boar trap. She is saved by a man she describes as tall and beautiful, who knows enough about primitive medicine to attend to her wound and nurse her back to health. Soon, Lillian and Andrew Mayhew are in love.
To this point, I was enjoying myself. Kennedy writes in a rich gothic style, Lillian is an appealing damsel in distress, and Andrew is all that one could want in a hero. Except that he soon manifests into several different characters, and, rather quickly as the plot picks up speed, he reveals himself to be an actor named Kate. Lillian is just as besotted with Kate as with her manly alter ego, and there are a number of lavishly detailed sex scenes that follow.
By this time, Charleston society is clamouring about Lillian’s empty tomb, and several young women have been found murdered in the most hideous way. Lillian becomes the primary suspect. Between them, the women come up with a plan to convince those who had already tried to hang Lillian that she would be killed by a stake through the heart, the vampirologist being Kate as a man.
Theresa is some suspense as more women die and more people become fascinated by ‘vampirology,’ an actual pseudo-science, but, by this time I really dislike Kate. She is extremely manipulative and asserts control over the smitten Lillian. She seems to snap back and forth between lover and master, past the point where it’s just a titillating sex game.
Needless to say, because Lillian was never a vampire and Kate was never a vampire slayer, the women still have some plotting to do. I found the book’s closing chapters rushing towards resolution, with a great rush of clues coming forward and an odd conclusion. The epilogue, dated 30 years later, ties up some loose ends, almost more than it needs to. Readers should be warned that there are descriptions of sexual abuse and medical experimentation.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
First things first, can we just talk about the cover? I really love the cover so much and probably one of my favourite horror/ paranormal covers so far. That's also why I'm quite nervous starting this one, considering I hated the author's other recent one (The Artist of Blackberry Grange).
In all my manifesting, this new book of the author is very compelling and really checked those I enjoyed in a vampire slash paranormal/ horror and mystery elements. I just wished that it was executed and done very well and consistently.
Lillian's character was a joy and a bittersweet to read, especially the struggles she faced and not to mention the era in here, which was the pre civil war, and we're given a glimpse of political tensions.
I've seen people talk about the end and Lillian's actions at the end, but as for me, I think it's pretty en route of her chatacter considering the point of her character we get to see is to unchain herself and claim her own autonomy. Not to mention the plot twist that went here that is not really what I thought or envisioned to be with Kate's character, considering how magnetic and mysterious the elements surrounding her are. Especially her ability to change persona, which should have been a raising flag already for that twist, but nope. So that's why I felt like the vampire trope that's being sold here was a missed on that section
Their relationship was pretty intimate, and I really felt their chemistry and really didn't mind it, although their romance kind of felt quick and didn't really progress in solid on the point of them being together. Not to mention that although not really glaring, one can empathise with Lillian that their relationship was kind of turning into a red flag and entering that other twist towards the end.
The plot overall, although intriguing from Lillian being awoken in her casket after being buried, to the murder mystery, we're a really curious plot combination that it's only natural for a reader to expect so much and I did expect so much. I would say it was halfway missed, and those elements or devices weren't really executed or utilised in their full intentions. It felt like the story kind of lost the focus of the construction. Thus, the consistency and solidifying these devices felt so off and, instead, focus so much on the relationship of Kate and Lillian and the intrigued on this particularly but even that was a halfway failed one especially the one surrounding Kate.
I also felt like Lillian forgave her parents so easily, and the whole murder mystery was done so quickly that left me quite wanting more and unsatisfied, especially the potential that we're given taste of in here.
Overall, I would say this was an okay one despite all my wishes on this. I think readers, especially those who love this author's previous books, would definitely enjoy this more. And of course, before I forget, those who enjoyed Carmilla devices sapphic horrors/ paranormal/ vampire stories. Not really that strong emphasis here but more of suggestive in constructions.
Thank you, Lake Union Publishing, for the e-arc and Brilliance Audiobooks (last 20%) for the alc. 3🫶.
In all my manifesting, this new book of the author is very compelling and really checked those I enjoyed in a vampire slash paranormal/ horror and mystery elements. I just wished that it was executed and done very well and consistently.
Lillian's character was a joy and a bittersweet to read, especially the struggles she faced and not to mention the era in here, which was the pre civil war, and we're given a glimpse of political tensions.
I've seen people talk about the end and Lillian's actions at the end, but as for me, I think it's pretty en route of her chatacter considering the point of her character we get to see is to unchain herself and claim her own autonomy. Not to mention the plot twist that went here that is not really what I thought or envisioned to be with Kate's character, considering how magnetic and mysterious the elements surrounding her are. Especially her ability to change persona, which should have been a raising flag already for that twist, but nope. So that's why I felt like the vampire trope that's being sold here was a missed on that section
Their relationship was pretty intimate, and I really felt their chemistry and really didn't mind it, although their romance kind of felt quick and didn't really progress in solid on the point of them being together. Not to mention that although not really glaring, one can empathise with Lillian that their relationship was kind of turning into a red flag and entering that other twist towards the end.
The plot overall, although intriguing from Lillian being awoken in her casket after being buried, to the murder mystery, we're a really curious plot combination that it's only natural for a reader to expect so much and I did expect so much. I would say it was halfway missed, and those elements or devices weren't really executed or utilised in their full intentions. It felt like the story kind of lost the focus of the construction. Thus, the consistency and solidifying these devices felt so off and, instead, focus so much on the relationship of Kate and Lillian and the intrigued on this particularly but even that was a halfway failed one especially the one surrounding Kate.
I also felt like Lillian forgave her parents so easily, and the whole murder mystery was done so quickly that left me quite wanting more and unsatisfied, especially the potential that we're given taste of in here.
Overall, I would say this was an okay one despite all my wishes on this. I think readers, especially those who love this author's previous books, would definitely enjoy this more. And of course, before I forget, those who enjoyed Carmilla devices sapphic horrors/ paranormal/ vampire stories. Not really that strong emphasis here but more of suggestive in constructions.
Thank you, Lake Union Publishing, for the e-arc and Brilliance Audiobooks (last 20%) for the alc. 3🫶.
March 13, 2026
THE TWO DEATHS OF LILLIAN CARMICHAEL - REVIEW
By: Paulette Kennedy
Pr|Gifted E-Copy
Thank you to Lake Union, Amazon Publishing and Netgalley for this read.
South Carolina, 1853. Lillian Carmichael is about to be hanged for the murder of her sister, Rebecca. But fate steps in and gives her a second chance.
Lillian has a catatonic episode, before the hanging, and is pronounced dead and is entombed in the family mausoleum. Days later she awakens and manages to flee to the Lowcountry Marshes. She is still a wanted criminal for the death of her sister, she cant go home, she must hide. While Lillian struggles to survive there have been a number of murders in the city and whispers soon start that Lillian, now known to have escaped from the mausoleum, is some sort of night creature, out for blood and is the one murdering the women.
Lillian soon finds sanctuary at a former plantation and forms an intimate relationship with the owner. As the hunt for Lillian continues, she needs someone she can trust to escape the gallows again. Can she trust her new friend? Who is this person that has taken Lillian in? And what secrets will come out?
What to expect:
Charleston 1853 History
Murder
Mystery
Southern Gothic
Intriguing FMC’s
A varied group of characters
Supernatural Elements
Ooohh, I enjoyed this one. The storytelling from Kennedy is on point. It felt dark, rich, claustrophobic, intense, and very twisty.
The two main characters in this story were so compelling and were constantly evolving with the story, which I loved. There were genuinely parts where I was left open mouthed and there were also some quite unsettling parts, but this all added to the nature of the novel.
The constant presence of the murders running through this story kept me gripped. Who was killing the women? Was it a supernatural entity?
The conclusion was extremely satisfying, if maybe a tad disturbing. But I’ll definitely be thinking of this book for sometime.
The authors note is such an interesting and eye opening read … do not skip.
The research that went into this book was immense and I think it really comes across in Kennedy’s writing. The history of Charleston comes alive, but is also carefully considered. This novel explores the horrors of slavery, the struggle for freedom and the courage of people who stood against it and how those people were shunned from society.
So alongside a completely engaging premise and vivid characters, these historical elements added authenticity to the mystery and highlighted the injustices of the era.
If you like dark, unsettling, tense, historical stories with enigmatic characters, give this novel a go.
By: Paulette Kennedy
Pr|Gifted E-Copy
Thank you to Lake Union, Amazon Publishing and Netgalley for this read.
South Carolina, 1853. Lillian Carmichael is about to be hanged for the murder of her sister, Rebecca. But fate steps in and gives her a second chance.
Lillian has a catatonic episode, before the hanging, and is pronounced dead and is entombed in the family mausoleum. Days later she awakens and manages to flee to the Lowcountry Marshes. She is still a wanted criminal for the death of her sister, she cant go home, she must hide. While Lillian struggles to survive there have been a number of murders in the city and whispers soon start that Lillian, now known to have escaped from the mausoleum, is some sort of night creature, out for blood and is the one murdering the women.
Lillian soon finds sanctuary at a former plantation and forms an intimate relationship with the owner. As the hunt for Lillian continues, she needs someone she can trust to escape the gallows again. Can she trust her new friend? Who is this person that has taken Lillian in? And what secrets will come out?
What to expect:
Charleston 1853 History
Murder
Mystery
Southern Gothic
Intriguing FMC’s
A varied group of characters
Supernatural Elements
Ooohh, I enjoyed this one. The storytelling from Kennedy is on point. It felt dark, rich, claustrophobic, intense, and very twisty.
The two main characters in this story were so compelling and were constantly evolving with the story, which I loved. There were genuinely parts where I was left open mouthed and there were also some quite unsettling parts, but this all added to the nature of the novel.
The constant presence of the murders running through this story kept me gripped. Who was killing the women? Was it a supernatural entity?
The conclusion was extremely satisfying, if maybe a tad disturbing. But I’ll definitely be thinking of this book for sometime.
The authors note is such an interesting and eye opening read … do not skip.
The research that went into this book was immense and I think it really comes across in Kennedy’s writing. The history of Charleston comes alive, but is also carefully considered. This novel explores the horrors of slavery, the struggle for freedom and the courage of people who stood against it and how those people were shunned from society.
So alongside a completely engaging premise and vivid characters, these historical elements added authenticity to the mystery and highlighted the injustices of the era.
If you like dark, unsettling, tense, historical stories with enigmatic characters, give this novel a go.
March 14, 2026
📚The Two Deaths of Lillian Carmichael
✍🏻Paulette Kennedy
Blurb::
A young woman, perceived dead, plots to reinvent herself in a gripping historical gothic about secrets, superstition, and murder by the bestselling author of The Devil and Mrs. Davenport.
South Carolina, 1853. Lillian Carmichael, privileged daughter of a disgraced Charleston family, is due to be hanged for the murder of her sister when fate gives her a second chance at life.
After a catatonic episode on the long walk to the gallows, Lillian is declared dead and entombed in the family mausoleum. She awakens days later, buried alive, and flees to the Lowcountry marshes to survive on her wits and reinvent herself. All the while, a series of exsanguination murders holds the terrorized city in thrall—as do the superstitions that the vanished Lillian is some craven creature, resurrected and out for blood.
Lillian finds sanctuary in a crumbling former plantation and a friend in Kate O’Malley, a charismatic actress adept at fashioning new identities. The two form an intimate and powerful alliance, but as the body count rises, the manhunt for Lillian reaches a fever pitch. It will take both women’s cunning for her to escape the gallows again, and to find her freedom, Lillian must first cross paths with the real killer and confront her own family’s deepest, darkest secret.
My Thoughts:
'The Two Deaths of Lillian Carmichael' is an engrossing gothic mystery with a dark premise that instantly pulled me in. After being sentenced to death for the murder of her sister, Lillian Carmichael finds herself awake in her coffin. Knowing she cannot be recognized -- due to murder and being dead -- she disguises herself and manages to survive through thievery, determination, and a mysterious new friend. When murders start popping up around town and Lillian's empty coffin is found, all signs point to an undead killer. I absolutely flew through this book! From the moment Lillian wakes up buried alive, the story just doesn’t let up.This was a part mystery part romance story. It was a little unexpected. It’s a twisted story all around. It moves fairly quickly and I found myself entranced by the story. I did find it a little hard to believe that people bought the whole vampire thing.
Thanks NetGalley,Lake Union Publishing and Author Paulette Kennedy for the complimentary copy " The Two Deaths of Lillian Carmichael" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#LakeUnionPublishing
#PauletterKennedy
#TheTwoDeathsofLillianCarmichael"
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚠️Trigger Warnings: Murder, Suicide and Dead bodies,Sexual Abuse, child neglect and endangerment, racism and Chattel Slavery
✍🏻Paulette Kennedy
Blurb::
A young woman, perceived dead, plots to reinvent herself in a gripping historical gothic about secrets, superstition, and murder by the bestselling author of The Devil and Mrs. Davenport.
South Carolina, 1853. Lillian Carmichael, privileged daughter of a disgraced Charleston family, is due to be hanged for the murder of her sister when fate gives her a second chance at life.
After a catatonic episode on the long walk to the gallows, Lillian is declared dead and entombed in the family mausoleum. She awakens days later, buried alive, and flees to the Lowcountry marshes to survive on her wits and reinvent herself. All the while, a series of exsanguination murders holds the terrorized city in thrall—as do the superstitions that the vanished Lillian is some craven creature, resurrected and out for blood.
Lillian finds sanctuary in a crumbling former plantation and a friend in Kate O’Malley, a charismatic actress adept at fashioning new identities. The two form an intimate and powerful alliance, but as the body count rises, the manhunt for Lillian reaches a fever pitch. It will take both women’s cunning for her to escape the gallows again, and to find her freedom, Lillian must first cross paths with the real killer and confront her own family’s deepest, darkest secret.
My Thoughts:
'The Two Deaths of Lillian Carmichael' is an engrossing gothic mystery with a dark premise that instantly pulled me in. After being sentenced to death for the murder of her sister, Lillian Carmichael finds herself awake in her coffin. Knowing she cannot be recognized -- due to murder and being dead -- she disguises herself and manages to survive through thievery, determination, and a mysterious new friend. When murders start popping up around town and Lillian's empty coffin is found, all signs point to an undead killer. I absolutely flew through this book! From the moment Lillian wakes up buried alive, the story just doesn’t let up.This was a part mystery part romance story. It was a little unexpected. It’s a twisted story all around. It moves fairly quickly and I found myself entranced by the story. I did find it a little hard to believe that people bought the whole vampire thing.
Thanks NetGalley,Lake Union Publishing and Author Paulette Kennedy for the complimentary copy " The Two Deaths of Lillian Carmichael" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#LakeUnionPublishing
#PauletterKennedy
#TheTwoDeathsofLillianCarmichael"
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚠️Trigger Warnings: Murder, Suicide and Dead bodies,Sexual Abuse, child neglect and endangerment, racism and Chattel Slavery
February 26, 2026
I absolutely LOVED this book! I first discovered Paulette Kennedy when I read the Devil & Mrs. Davenport and have yet to be let down by any of her books. Her writing is so unique and descriptive that it pulls you into the story and allows you to feel as though you are along for the ride, walking the streets with the character. In the Two Deaths of Lillian Carmichael, we go back to 19th Century America-the town of Charleston in 1853. Lillian, a lady of noble society has been accused of a crime so grotesque she is on her way to the gallows. Later, she awakens in her tomb and escapes, knowing she must flee the town in order to survive. We follow her journey of hardship and loneliness as she learns to be on her own for the first time ever. Coinciding with her escape, there are murders that have been occurring in the same town/surrounding areas. Rumors of a “Vampire” that is hunting women and Lillian learns her name has come up as number one suspect.
Eventually, she finds refuge in a friend, Kate who takes her in and although she feels safe, she is not quite sure she can trust her completely. Kate is an actor and has many characters she likes to play. She does help Lillian begin to find her footing and sort through her feelings from the trauma of her past-and we begin to see a relationship from between two.
I felt there was so much going on in this book that kept me entertained and engaged. The storyline was so, so good. The little twists that were thrown in, I didn’t see coming and added so much special energy to this read. I loved seeing Lillian’s transformation from a meek, shy, dependent society girl to a woman who could begin to stand on her own and know what she wants. Paulette writes accurately about the time period. We see her research brought to life in these pages and although it isn’t pretty, it is necessary to understand what life was like. I do love that our FMC’s had strong ethics in a way that helped people and were fair. And not to give too much away, but by the end of the book, I was proud of Lil for sticking to what she believed in and following through with her dreams.
*There is spice and romantic scenes in this book, I see that some people didn’t expect that, but yes this is a Sapphic love story. It was beautifully written.
*Personal thanks to Paulette Kennedy for sending me an ARC copy-I requested :) , I am so grateful!! All reviews are my own opinion.
Eventually, she finds refuge in a friend, Kate who takes her in and although she feels safe, she is not quite sure she can trust her completely. Kate is an actor and has many characters she likes to play. She does help Lillian begin to find her footing and sort through her feelings from the trauma of her past-and we begin to see a relationship from between two.
I felt there was so much going on in this book that kept me entertained and engaged. The storyline was so, so good. The little twists that were thrown in, I didn’t see coming and added so much special energy to this read. I loved seeing Lillian’s transformation from a meek, shy, dependent society girl to a woman who could begin to stand on her own and know what she wants. Paulette writes accurately about the time period. We see her research brought to life in these pages and although it isn’t pretty, it is necessary to understand what life was like. I do love that our FMC’s had strong ethics in a way that helped people and were fair. And not to give too much away, but by the end of the book, I was proud of Lil for sticking to what she believed in and following through with her dreams.
*There is spice and romantic scenes in this book, I see that some people didn’t expect that, but yes this is a Sapphic love story. It was beautifully written.
*Personal thanks to Paulette Kennedy for sending me an ARC copy-I requested :) , I am so grateful!! All reviews are my own opinion.
March 13, 2026
I was captivated by the mood of this novel. If you look up the word gothic in the dictionary, you will find this book as the definition. Ms. Kennedy provides a setting that is detailed and lush and makes the reader nervous from the very beginning. I can say this because it happens at the very start, so it is not giving anything away that the reader will not find out in the first five minutes, but there is no opening quite as unsettling as someone being buried alive. I was not sure initially if the protagonist was buried alive or if she was a ghost. This matter was settled relatively soon.
I was enthralled with Lillian and her survival by her wits as everyone believed she was dead (with good reason). Lillian was remarkably resourceful. I loved Lillian’s character. Then, there is the introduction of Kate, a woman who acts as a woman or a man, depending. The reader should be forewarned that there are spicy sapphic scenes between Lillian and Kate, which did not offend me in the least but which I thought detracted from the story because it shifted the focus. In general, I found Kate to be thoroughly unlikeable, which I suppose was the point but which bothered me for some reason. It seemed that she was not nuanced and thus a bit flat. I did love the vampire part of the plot, and will keep it at that, for readers to explore.
The gothic mood was kept throughout and given Ms. Kennedy’s earlier books that I have read, this is a talent of hers. Were it not for the last third of the book, I probably would have found it to be perfect. While the resolution of the mystery did keep me guessing, I felt like it was rushed. Things suddenly happened toward the end that should have been foreshadowed earlier. The events and turns of characters picked up too much pace. Very rarely do I think that a book should have been longer but this is one of those situations. It seemed as if Ms. Kennedy grew tired of the story and blurted out the resolution to the reader. I think that the ending would have made more sense if she had taken more time. Nonetheless, considering that I am not always a fan of gothic novels, this was a superb one for the first two thirds of it, with the protagonist being someone that I would be fascinated to have a cup of coffee with.
Thanks to Net Galley and Lake Union Publishing for providing me with advanced copies of this book. All of the opinions herein are my own.
I was enthralled with Lillian and her survival by her wits as everyone believed she was dead (with good reason). Lillian was remarkably resourceful. I loved Lillian’s character. Then, there is the introduction of Kate, a woman who acts as a woman or a man, depending. The reader should be forewarned that there are spicy sapphic scenes between Lillian and Kate, which did not offend me in the least but which I thought detracted from the story because it shifted the focus. In general, I found Kate to be thoroughly unlikeable, which I suppose was the point but which bothered me for some reason. It seemed that she was not nuanced and thus a bit flat. I did love the vampire part of the plot, and will keep it at that, for readers to explore.
The gothic mood was kept throughout and given Ms. Kennedy’s earlier books that I have read, this is a talent of hers. Were it not for the last third of the book, I probably would have found it to be perfect. While the resolution of the mystery did keep me guessing, I felt like it was rushed. Things suddenly happened toward the end that should have been foreshadowed earlier. The events and turns of characters picked up too much pace. Very rarely do I think that a book should have been longer but this is one of those situations. It seemed as if Ms. Kennedy grew tired of the story and blurted out the resolution to the reader. I think that the ending would have made more sense if she had taken more time. Nonetheless, considering that I am not always a fan of gothic novels, this was a superb one for the first two thirds of it, with the protagonist being someone that I would be fascinated to have a cup of coffee with.
Thanks to Net Galley and Lake Union Publishing for providing me with advanced copies of this book. All of the opinions herein are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgalley for the Advanced Listening Copy of this book. Overall, I rated this book 3.75 stars. Be sure to check content warnings as this book covers heavy topics, especially towards the end.
To me, this book is a gothic Victorian historical thriller fiction. I was immediately drawn in to the story in the first few chapters, and I appreciated the commitment to sharing a story that felt realistic to the time period with socially relevant topics like pre-civil war turmoil in the south, slavery, sexism and mass-hysteria. I really liked the flaws of our main character, and watching her grapple with her need to please others and be the person people/society need her to be, vs trying being true to her inner thoughts and desires really hit home. I love how her character grew self awareness and grit as the story progressed, and that this “rebirth” and reclamation theme blossomed through her growth. The last 20% of this book was gripping, and I found myself constantly questioning my idea of where the book was going. The ending concluded in what I thought to be a satisfying way.
The flaws to me here lie in the 20-60% marks of this story. I felt there was a lot of down time and a major slow down in the middle, which left me feeling a bit uninterested. I really couldn’t gauge what direction the story was going to take, but not in a riveting or exciting way? More so in a “let’s get on with it” way. I appreciated the time taken to make the story seem realistic, but I do think we could’ve been more productive with the story in this middle portion to keep the ending from feeling so rushed. However, that being said, I really enjoyed the ability for me to be surprised and held captive by the ending events! I just wish this feeling could’ve been more thoroughly spread through the whole story.
For specific feedback on the audiobook, I felt that the narrator was talented in her delivery of other characters in the story, but her accent for the main character fell flat for me. I wish she could’ve delivered a more believable accent, as at times I felt that took me out of the story. But her accent work with various other characters was well delivered.
Again, thank you for this ALC! I really enjoyed my read.
To me, this book is a gothic Victorian historical thriller fiction. I was immediately drawn in to the story in the first few chapters, and I appreciated the commitment to sharing a story that felt realistic to the time period with socially relevant topics like pre-civil war turmoil in the south, slavery, sexism and mass-hysteria. I really liked the flaws of our main character, and watching her grapple with her need to please others and be the person people/society need her to be, vs trying being true to her inner thoughts and desires really hit home. I love how her character grew self awareness and grit as the story progressed, and that this “rebirth” and reclamation theme blossomed through her growth. The last 20% of this book was gripping, and I found myself constantly questioning my idea of where the book was going. The ending concluded in what I thought to be a satisfying way.
The flaws to me here lie in the 20-60% marks of this story. I felt there was a lot of down time and a major slow down in the middle, which left me feeling a bit uninterested. I really couldn’t gauge what direction the story was going to take, but not in a riveting or exciting way? More so in a “let’s get on with it” way. I appreciated the time taken to make the story seem realistic, but I do think we could’ve been more productive with the story in this middle portion to keep the ending from feeling so rushed. However, that being said, I really enjoyed the ability for me to be surprised and held captive by the ending events! I just wish this feeling could’ve been more thoroughly spread through the whole story.
For specific feedback on the audiobook, I felt that the narrator was talented in her delivery of other characters in the story, but her accent for the main character fell flat for me. I wish she could’ve delivered a more believable accent, as at times I felt that took me out of the story. But her accent work with various other characters was well delivered.
Again, thank you for this ALC! I really enjoyed my read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 ⭐️ | The Two Deaths of Lillian Carmichael is a Southern gothic with the kind of premise that immediately grabbed my attention—1853 Charleston, a disgraced daughter sentenced to hang for her sister’s murder, declared dead after a catatonic episode… only to wake up buried in her family’s mausoleum.
Lillian’s “second death” is really a rebirth story wrapped in earthy, Southern gothic atmosphere. Fleeing into the Lowcountry marshes, she sheds her old life and stumbles into an uneasy sanctuary with Kate O’Malley—an actress who survives by reinventing herself as often as necessary. Their relationship is one of the strongest elements of the novel: intimate, layered, and built on shifting trust. Kate’s chameleon nature adds a constant undercurrent of tension—are we watching a savior, a schemer, or something in between?
Meanwhile, Charleston is unraveling. As young women are found exsanguinated, whispers of vampirism and resurrected vengeance spread through the city. The hysteria is eerie—more superstition-fueled panic than true horror—but it creates a creeping dread in every chapter. I loved how the murder mystery, the question of Rebecca’s death, and Kate’s secrets all came together. The reveals felt earned, with just enough breadcrumbs to make the ending satisfying rather than out of nowhere.
Where this landed at 3.5 stars for me is mostly in the pacing and emotional depth. The book is relatively short, and while that keeps it tight and fast-moving, I sometimes wanted more—especially in Lillian’s internal reckoning. She’s a fascinating character: compassionate yet self-absorbed at times, determined but frustratingly rigid. That complexity makes her interesting, but I didn’t always feel fully connected to her transformation.
Still, the atmosphere? Immaculate. At its core, this is a story about reinvention, about a woman forced to confront both the lies told about her and the lies she’s told herself. If you love Southern gothic with strong female alliances, layered mysteries, and sapphic romance, this one is well worth the read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for this eARC!
Lillian’s “second death” is really a rebirth story wrapped in earthy, Southern gothic atmosphere. Fleeing into the Lowcountry marshes, she sheds her old life and stumbles into an uneasy sanctuary with Kate O’Malley—an actress who survives by reinventing herself as often as necessary. Their relationship is one of the strongest elements of the novel: intimate, layered, and built on shifting trust. Kate’s chameleon nature adds a constant undercurrent of tension—are we watching a savior, a schemer, or something in between?
Meanwhile, Charleston is unraveling. As young women are found exsanguinated, whispers of vampirism and resurrected vengeance spread through the city. The hysteria is eerie—more superstition-fueled panic than true horror—but it creates a creeping dread in every chapter. I loved how the murder mystery, the question of Rebecca’s death, and Kate’s secrets all came together. The reveals felt earned, with just enough breadcrumbs to make the ending satisfying rather than out of nowhere.
Where this landed at 3.5 stars for me is mostly in the pacing and emotional depth. The book is relatively short, and while that keeps it tight and fast-moving, I sometimes wanted more—especially in Lillian’s internal reckoning. She’s a fascinating character: compassionate yet self-absorbed at times, determined but frustratingly rigid. That complexity makes her interesting, but I didn’t always feel fully connected to her transformation.
Still, the atmosphere? Immaculate. At its core, this is a story about reinvention, about a woman forced to confront both the lies told about her and the lies she’s told herself. If you love Southern gothic with strong female alliances, layered mysteries, and sapphic romance, this one is well worth the read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for this eARC!
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