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Calista
The mysterious death of a Greek-born woman sparks eerie happenings in this nightmarish detective novel where the uncanny meets with science.
England, 1848. When French Inspector, Maurice Leroux, arrives at Alexandra Hall to investigate two grisly murders, he finds superstition and fear rife among the servants and the new master of the house.
And what of the mysterious man who once owned this isolated Berkshire mansion? A decade ago, Aaron Nightingale returned from the Greek islands with his bride-to-be — the gifted village girl, Calista. Now husband and wife lie dead and two other occupants of the house have since been murdered.
Faced with a series of chilling and unexplained events, Maurice becomes convinced that a supernatural presence, perhaps Calista’s vengeful spirit, haunts Alexandra Hall.
But the Nightingales harboured dark secrets and Alexandra Hall has witnessed more horror than Maurice Leroux can imagine. As the French Inspector methodically unearths an inhuman evil, it will edge him closer to the terrors of his past and lead to an unforgettable discovery.
A Victorian gothic mystery at the frontier of the fantastique, CALISTA is a novel for lovers of the unknown.
England, 1848. When French Inspector, Maurice Leroux, arrives at Alexandra Hall to investigate two grisly murders, he finds superstition and fear rife among the servants and the new master of the house.
And what of the mysterious man who once owned this isolated Berkshire mansion? A decade ago, Aaron Nightingale returned from the Greek islands with his bride-to-be — the gifted village girl, Calista. Now husband and wife lie dead and two other occupants of the house have since been murdered.
Faced with a series of chilling and unexplained events, Maurice becomes convinced that a supernatural presence, perhaps Calista’s vengeful spirit, haunts Alexandra Hall.
But the Nightingales harboured dark secrets and Alexandra Hall has witnessed more horror than Maurice Leroux can imagine. As the French Inspector methodically unearths an inhuman evil, it will edge him closer to the terrors of his past and lead to an unforgettable discovery.
A Victorian gothic mystery at the frontier of the fantastique, CALISTA is a novel for lovers of the unknown.
211 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 25, 2021
23 people are currently reading
1079 people want to read
About the author
Laura Rahme
8 books159 followersA recipient of the Best International Author prize from the 2023 Biblioteca Suore Montevergine book fair, Laura Rahme is an award-winning French-Australian novelist. Born in Senegal and inspired by her rich family heritage (Lebanese, French and Vietnamese), she writes fiction informed by historical and cultural research.
With Bachelor degrees in Psychology and Aerospace Engineering, she balances a long career in Tech with her great love of telling stories.
She has written,
𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓜𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓢𝓽𝓸𝓻𝔂𝓽𝓮𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓻𝓼 (2012) - a historical novel set in China's Early Ming Dynasty.
𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓜𝓪𝓼𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓪𝓻𝓲 (2014) - a historical mystery with supernatural themes set in 15th century Venice.
𝓙𝓾𝓵𝓲𝓮𝓷'𝓼 𝓣𝓮𝓻𝓻𝓸𝓻 (2017) - a French Revolution psychological thriller/mystery which pays homage to her Breton origins.
𝓒𝓪𝓵𝓲𝓼𝓽𝓪 (2021) - a Victorian gothic horror mystery set in 19th century England and Greece.
𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓢𝓮𝓬𝓻𝓮𝓽 𝓸𝓯 𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓽𝓲𝓵𝓵𝔂 (2021) — a real life 19th century fairy tale set in France, featuring first celebrity chef, Antonin Carême (1784 - 1833) and one of France's most mysterious figures, Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord.
𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓢𝓲𝓰𝓷𝓪𝓻𝓮 𝓸𝓯 𝓖𝓸𝓻é𝓮 (2024) — a historical mystery set in 1840s Gorée, reprising the French detective Maurice Leroux from the novel, Calista. Where Calista drew on elements of the fantastique, this mystery blends magic realism with Senegalese folklore.
𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓕𝓸𝓻𝓽𝓾𝓷𝓮 𝓣𝓮𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓻 𝓸𝓯 𝓝𝓲𝓬𝓮 - the third Maurice Leroux mystery set in 1854 Nice. Expected publication in late 2027.
In 2020, Laura announced that she was working on a historical crime novel set in her birth country, Senegal. The Silence of the Pirogue will explore 70s and 80s Senegal. The roman à clef will be published in 2027.
With Bachelor degrees in Psychology and Aerospace Engineering, she balances a long career in Tech with her great love of telling stories.
She has written,
𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓜𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓢𝓽𝓸𝓻𝔂𝓽𝓮𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓻𝓼 (2012) - a historical novel set in China's Early Ming Dynasty.
𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓜𝓪𝓼𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓪𝓻𝓲 (2014) - a historical mystery with supernatural themes set in 15th century Venice.
𝓙𝓾𝓵𝓲𝓮𝓷'𝓼 𝓣𝓮𝓻𝓻𝓸𝓻 (2017) - a French Revolution psychological thriller/mystery which pays homage to her Breton origins.
𝓒𝓪𝓵𝓲𝓼𝓽𝓪 (2021) - a Victorian gothic horror mystery set in 19th century England and Greece.
𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓢𝓮𝓬𝓻𝓮𝓽 𝓸𝓯 𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓽𝓲𝓵𝓵𝔂 (2021) — a real life 19th century fairy tale set in France, featuring first celebrity chef, Antonin Carême (1784 - 1833) and one of France's most mysterious figures, Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord.
𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓢𝓲𝓰𝓷𝓪𝓻𝓮 𝓸𝓯 𝓖𝓸𝓻é𝓮 (2024) — a historical mystery set in 1840s Gorée, reprising the French detective Maurice Leroux from the novel, Calista. Where Calista drew on elements of the fantastique, this mystery blends magic realism with Senegalese folklore.
𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓕𝓸𝓻𝓽𝓾𝓷𝓮 𝓣𝓮𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓻 𝓸𝓯 𝓝𝓲𝓬𝓮 - the third Maurice Leroux mystery set in 1854 Nice. Expected publication in late 2027.
In 2020, Laura announced that she was working on a historical crime novel set in her birth country, Senegal. The Silence of the Pirogue will explore 70s and 80s Senegal. The roman à clef will be published in 2027.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 2, 2022
It´s mid-nineteenth century at an isolated, massive, Berkshire Mansion and Inspector Leroux has been called in from France to investigate two murders - as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that there have actually been four deaths that may have been murders rather than two. Nonetheless, Leroux proceeds with no apparent increase in his fee. The French are quite reasonable about such things.
Two of the deaths involved Aaron Nightingale and his wife Calista. Nightingale, a physician from a very wealthy family had been beguiled by her in a tiny seaside town in Greece during one of his many trips to places around the world. Calista seemed to have an unusual relationship with animals such that she seemed to share a bond with virtually all of them. Nightingale was very interested in Mesmer´s writing about animal magnetism so that element of Calista´s makeup thoroughly entranced him although he never expressed that to her, explicitly.
Inspector Leroux begins to sense a strange presence in the massive home. Is he imagining things? Does it have anything to do with the experiments that the Nightingales were conducting in their cellar? Mr. Nightingale´s will stipulated that no one could enter the basement until six months after his death and that would not occur for several months. But Leroux sensed that the cellar held the keys to everything.
As is typical, Rahme´s writing is impeccable and very elegant. Her phrasing contributes significantly to the quality of the book. The characters are quite unique although she might have gotten a bit more out of one or two of them. The plot was very unique and, for the most part, very engaging, however, there were incidents that I felt stretched credibility a bit too much and detracted from the overall continuity of the story.
The book was, nonetheless, very enjoyable and engaging and clearly merited four stars. It is a little difficult to know to whom to recommend the book. I suspect those who enjoy horror stories will enjoy Calista, although it is not a horror story. It´s an historical mystery so it will probably appeal to fans of that genre. In any case, it is a very good book.
Fini
Two of the deaths involved Aaron Nightingale and his wife Calista. Nightingale, a physician from a very wealthy family had been beguiled by her in a tiny seaside town in Greece during one of his many trips to places around the world. Calista seemed to have an unusual relationship with animals such that she seemed to share a bond with virtually all of them. Nightingale was very interested in Mesmer´s writing about animal magnetism so that element of Calista´s makeup thoroughly entranced him although he never expressed that to her, explicitly.
Inspector Leroux begins to sense a strange presence in the massive home. Is he imagining things? Does it have anything to do with the experiments that the Nightingales were conducting in their cellar? Mr. Nightingale´s will stipulated that no one could enter the basement until six months after his death and that would not occur for several months. But Leroux sensed that the cellar held the keys to everything.
As is typical, Rahme´s writing is impeccable and very elegant. Her phrasing contributes significantly to the quality of the book. The characters are quite unique although she might have gotten a bit more out of one or two of them. The plot was very unique and, for the most part, very engaging, however, there were incidents that I felt stretched credibility a bit too much and detracted from the overall continuity of the story.
The book was, nonetheless, very enjoyable and engaging and clearly merited four stars. It is a little difficult to know to whom to recommend the book. I suspect those who enjoy horror stories will enjoy Calista, although it is not a horror story. It´s an historical mystery so it will probably appeal to fans of that genre. In any case, it is a very good book.
Fini
January 2, 2023
This was my first book of the year and I'm glad to have read it.
Eerie Victorian (or Georgian in this instance) stately mansion in rural Derbyshire boasting of four alleged murders in one month meets a determined French investigator with serious childhood issues meets the 19th-century burgeoning interest in the scientific method. What's not to like?
While Calista sometimes gives off Rebecca vibes, Laura Rahme has a distinct take on it. A deep sense of unease and nail-biting tension permeates throughout the tale. It was quite heartbreaking to know about the real happenings and there were moments when I wanted to hug Maurice.
However, I think Rahme over-explained stuff in places, especially in the concluding chapters. I appreciate the need to cover all bases in a mystery, but I like a few things left ambiguous or unsaid. This is where it becomes a case of a really good book, but stops short of greatness.
Eerie Victorian (or Georgian in this instance) stately mansion in rural Derbyshire boasting of four alleged murders in one month meets a determined French investigator with serious childhood issues meets the 19th-century burgeoning interest in the scientific method. What's not to like?
While Calista sometimes gives off Rebecca vibes, Laura Rahme has a distinct take on it. A deep sense of unease and nail-biting tension permeates throughout the tale. It was quite heartbreaking to know about the real happenings and there were moments when I wanted to hug Maurice.
However, I think Rahme over-explained stuff in places, especially in the concluding chapters. I appreciate the need to cover all bases in a mystery, but I like a few things left ambiguous or unsaid. This is where it becomes a case of a really good book, but stops short of greatness.
August 5, 2021
Deliciously dark and moody, Calista drew me in from the very first page. With its richly drawn characters and vivid descriptions of Alexandra Hall--from the exquisitely unique fountain in the garden to the mysterious forbidden cellar--Rahme has created a Gothic thriller with an atmosphere both alluring and sublimely macabre.
Maurice Leroux is a French detective called to England to investigate the deaths of four members of the Nightingale household. He believes it will be a routine inquiry but soon finds the case anything but typical. From the slippery wet patches and curious scattering of spoons at the scenes to the causes of death themselves--assumed to be accidents but in truth something other--the more he looks into things, the more the mystery deepens. Hints of a supernatural cause unsettle his analytical approach and heighten his psychological terror, the remnants of an abusive childhood. This adept portrayal achieved by mirroring nightmarish memories of a cruel and domineering mother with the horrendous actions of an exacting housekeeper was so deeply disturbing that at times I could hardly bear to continue reading.
But continue reading I did, so compelling the story. Even after discovering the sinister purpose of Doctor Aaron Nightingale's work, the twists kept me guessing until the end. This masterfully crafted tale left me breathless at the revelation of how truly insidious the desire for knowledge can be, so much so that in some individuals it borders evil. Well done, Ms. Rahme, very well done!
Maurice Leroux is a French detective called to England to investigate the deaths of four members of the Nightingale household. He believes it will be a routine inquiry but soon finds the case anything but typical. From the slippery wet patches and curious scattering of spoons at the scenes to the causes of death themselves--assumed to be accidents but in truth something other--the more he looks into things, the more the mystery deepens. Hints of a supernatural cause unsettle his analytical approach and heighten his psychological terror, the remnants of an abusive childhood. This adept portrayal achieved by mirroring nightmarish memories of a cruel and domineering mother with the horrendous actions of an exacting housekeeper was so deeply disturbing that at times I could hardly bear to continue reading.
But continue reading I did, so compelling the story. Even after discovering the sinister purpose of Doctor Aaron Nightingale's work, the twists kept me guessing until the end. This masterfully crafted tale left me breathless at the revelation of how truly insidious the desire for knowledge can be, so much so that in some individuals it borders evil. Well done, Ms. Rahme, very well done!
September 20, 2021
French detective Maurice Leroux is invited to look into four deaths that occurred in the space of a year at Alexandra Hall, a mansion owned by Aaron Nightingale and his Greek wife, Calista – two of the victims. The other two are Vera, Aaron’s sister, and a maid. Foul play is suspected. M. Leroux finds the atmosphere at the hall both sinister and mysterious. The housekeeper, a frightening individual, locks him in his bedroom at night ‘for his own protection’, but a locked door doesn’t allay his creeping suspicion that someone, somehow, has entered. The four maids and gardener, all owning various degrees of strangeness, act as if they have something to hide.
In such a book we might expect to read about spectral figures and things that go bump in the night. Here everyday objects take on a sinister aspect: spoons, a fountain that must never be turned off. M. Leroux’ own demons are resurrected – and none could be worse than a vicious mother – as he delves deeper into the mystery, comes to understand the relationships between the four victims and uncovers a terrible secret.
The author builds the drama very effectively to a satisfactory conclusion that will surprise.
I am new to this genre, but I enjoyed it -- and it didn’t keep me awake at night.
Originally Reviewed for Discovering Diamonds
In such a book we might expect to read about spectral figures and things that go bump in the night. Here everyday objects take on a sinister aspect: spoons, a fountain that must never be turned off. M. Leroux’ own demons are resurrected – and none could be worse than a vicious mother – as he delves deeper into the mystery, comes to understand the relationships between the four victims and uncovers a terrible secret.
The author builds the drama very effectively to a satisfactory conclusion that will surprise.
I am new to this genre, but I enjoyed it -- and it didn’t keep me awake at night.
Originally Reviewed for Discovering Diamonds
July 16, 2025
1848 French inspector Maurice Leroux arrives at Alexandra Hall to investigate two deaths, that of a maid and a sister to the owner, Miss Vera Nightingale. But were the deaths of owner Aaron and his wife Calista natural. Is something or someone haunting the Hall.
An enjoyable Gothic mystery
An enjoyable Gothic mystery
December 18, 2022
Calista is a peculiar gothic story, with turns and elements that make it an uncommon finding. While showing all the traits of a classical gothic book, Calista borrows also from Lovecraftian horror and is enriched by a non-English setting. A classical Victorian gothic, but with new and intriguing elements.
Maurice Leroux is a French detective, called to the English countryside to investigate on a series of murder in an isolated countryside mansion. The owners of the mansion, Calista and Aaron Nightingale, died under uncertain circumstances. Later, a housemaid and the man’s brother also die, with suspicions of murder. Maurice finds an unwelcoming and distrustful environment in the house, which adds up to the mysterious practices of the owners of the house and the strange occurrences and vibes that happen at night. Calista’s Greek origins cast mystery in her figure, as does her native community’s belief that she was cursed.
At the beginning, I thought this was a typical gothic story, but quickly things turned unusual. We have a kind of secondary timeline that follows Calista’s origin story in Corfu (Greece), often seen with the exotic point of view of her future husband. The addition of the Greek environment really brings the story out of the usual gothic tracks, making it stand out. I enjoyed everything Greek and the peculiarities of Calista’s character.
The character of the detective Maurice Leroux is also an unusual one. Not only he’s a stranger in a strange land in England, but he’s also troubled by a difficult childhood which keeps tormenting him repeatedly. This background story really makes him more human (with respect to the most common detectives) and sometimes childlike. Sometimes you really want to get in the book and give him a hug.
Calista’s life also turns out not being easy at all, especially . But I’ll let the reader discover in which way by their own.
Many interesting historical themes have been treated in this book, my favourite being the theory of Mesmerism and “magnetism” that was so cool in the time of Spiritualism.
I must also admit that at first, I had a completely different expectation of what the central mystery of the book was, more ghostly or linked to Greek myths than Lovecraftian, but I really enjoyed the turn of events.
TW: implied brutality on animals.
(Picture from the author)
Maurice Leroux is a French detective, called to the English countryside to investigate on a series of murder in an isolated countryside mansion. The owners of the mansion, Calista and Aaron Nightingale, died under uncertain circumstances. Later, a housemaid and the man’s brother also die, with suspicions of murder. Maurice finds an unwelcoming and distrustful environment in the house, which adds up to the mysterious practices of the owners of the house and the strange occurrences and vibes that happen at night. Calista’s Greek origins cast mystery in her figure, as does her native community’s belief that she was cursed.
At the beginning, I thought this was a typical gothic story, but quickly things turned unusual. We have a kind of secondary timeline that follows Calista’s origin story in Corfu (Greece), often seen with the exotic point of view of her future husband. The addition of the Greek environment really brings the story out of the usual gothic tracks, making it stand out. I enjoyed everything Greek and the peculiarities of Calista’s character.
The character of the detective Maurice Leroux is also an unusual one. Not only he’s a stranger in a strange land in England, but he’s also troubled by a difficult childhood which keeps tormenting him repeatedly. This background story really makes him more human (with respect to the most common detectives) and sometimes childlike. Sometimes you really want to get in the book and give him a hug.
Calista’s life also turns out not being easy at all, especially . But I’ll let the reader discover in which way by their own.
Many interesting historical themes have been treated in this book, my favourite being the theory of Mesmerism and “magnetism” that was so cool in the time of Spiritualism.
I must also admit that at first, I had a completely different expectation of what the central mystery of the book was, more ghostly or linked to Greek myths than Lovecraftian, but I really enjoyed the turn of events.
TW: implied brutality on animals.
(Picture from the author)
June 19, 2021
A chilling tale that would be fantastic for a fall read, but great for an anytime you want a spooky house and mysterious family book. At first I was unsure if I'd enjoy this book, but by the end of the first chapter I was hooked. The scenery description was fantastic, beautifully depicted the house we were in, fully pulling me into the atmosphere. Throughout the book, more and more is revealed and I didn't want to stop reading. My brain didn't stop turning to help Maurice riddle out these mysterious murders. I won't spoil it, but I loved the ending and how things were summed up. I have a feeling these characters will stick with me and this will be one of those books I think back to alot, a testament to how good it was.
June 4, 2021
I received a copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway. Thank you, Ms. Rahme!
It has been a while since I settled down to read a gothic novel, and I was delighted to have the opportunity with “Calista”. I wasn’t disappointed. A bit of “The Woman In Black”, a dash of “Rebecca”, and a creepy helping of subtle horror at its best. There were twists that I never saw coming, and a satisfying ending. There’s deep sadness in this story, but also deep love.
I enjoyed reading this book, and I would definitely recommend it.
It has been a while since I settled down to read a gothic novel, and I was delighted to have the opportunity with “Calista”. I wasn’t disappointed. A bit of “The Woman In Black”, a dash of “Rebecca”, and a creepy helping of subtle horror at its best. There were twists that I never saw coming, and a satisfying ending. There’s deep sadness in this story, but also deep love.
I enjoyed reading this book, and I would definitely recommend it.
August 1, 2023
excellent story
I enjoyed this mystery and the end was very sweet and full of goodness. Highly recommend for the mystery and message.
I enjoyed this mystery and the end was very sweet and full of goodness. Highly recommend for the mystery and message.
March 24, 2021
I love this book for its metaphors and for the courage it took me to write it.
March 8, 2022
had me hooked by just being a victorian gothic mystery
November 26, 2021
Hooked! I was hesitant to read Calista at first because I wasn't sure if I would like the Victorian Gothic genre, but boy was I wrong! This murder mystery had me hooked with twists and turns that kept me guessing! I couldn't put it down and just had to know what happened next!
I honestly would have never guessed the ending how it ended (I won't post any spoilers), but I loved it. Laura Rahme did a wonder job of saving all the perfect missing puzzle pieces and letting them fall into place at exactly the right time. I did scare myself once with the and I still think about it so vividly. I also thought it showed a great display of normalized characters when the detective also scared himself. Rather than potentially being a detective that tries to reason away with logic and not be scared at every corner, he allows himself to start embracing that this might not be a normal happenstance of a mystery and that there might actually be something lurking around.
I cannot say enough good things about this book! I definitely look forward to reading this again in the future.
I received this book through Goodreads Giveaways.
I honestly would have never guessed the ending how it ended (I won't post any spoilers), but I loved it. Laura Rahme did a wonder job of saving all the perfect missing puzzle pieces and letting them fall into place at exactly the right time. I did scare myself once with the and I still think about it so vividly. I also thought it showed a great display of normalized characters when the detective also scared himself. Rather than potentially being a detective that tries to reason away with logic and not be scared at every corner, he allows himself to start embracing that this might not be a normal happenstance of a mystery and that there might actually be something lurking around.
I cannot say enough good things about this book! I definitely look forward to reading this again in the future.
I received this book through Goodreads Giveaways.
December 8, 2025
Laura Rahme has written the most atmospheric novel that I have read of late. The storytelling is phenomenal and the characters well fleshed out. Very compelling novel!!! 🤩🤩🤩
May 26, 2021
Wow. Calista is must read gothic fiction — it had me gripped from start to finish.
I recommend it to fans of horror mysteries.
I recommend it to fans of horror mysteries.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews