Reviews with content warning for Infidelity - The Cloisters

A rich and decadently indulgent tale of obsession, murder and the occult that’s literally dripping with the most gorgeously moody (and gothic imagery) that I genuinely couldn’t get enough of!

I know I’ve said that a lot recently, but I’ve been on a bit of an academic mystery/thriller kick lately so quite a few of my recent reads have a gothic-y atmospheric tone that I’m completely vibing with. And Katy Hays’ The Cloisters—which is centred around a summer assistant’s deadly game of ambition in the halls (and gardens) of the New York’s titular gothic museum —has probably been my favourites so far.

It follows Ann Stilwell, who arrives in New York ready to start her summer internship with The Metropolitan Museum of Art only to find herself reassigned to The Cloisters famous for its medieval and Renaissance collections.

It’s here that she begins her journey into the world academia—thanks to the museum’s curator, Patrick who believes Ann’s skills will be beneficial in helping with his research into the history of Tarot cards and fortune telling. Having left her past behind and eager to please her new colleagues, Ann is willing to indulge some of Patrick’s more unusual (and outlandish) theories.

But when she discovers a lost deck of 15th-c tarot cards, Ann suddenly finds herself at the centre of a dangerous game of obsession, toxic friendships and the ruthless pursuit of power that could destroy all that she’s worked hard (and risked everything) for.

I genuinely loved the dark and sinisterly atmospheric vibes that Katy Hays manages to create, with some incredibly decadent descriptions that had me wanting to visit New York ASAP. I was fascinated by Ann’s version of the city but, it was her heavily romanticised view of The Cloisters (and it’s vast collections) that really drew me in. It felt almost like a love letter to the world of art history and academia, (which makes sense given Hays’ background in Art History) and I think it’s because of this that it felt more tangible for me.

Likewise, many of the characters we meet are also connected to the museum (as employees and scholars) and I loved navigating the subtleties in their roles and how each intersects in different ways. I also enjoyed delving into some of the more mundane, day-to-day tasks through the lens of someone just as new and naive (Ann) to it’s inner workings as us readers.

Ann, our protagonist and sole POV throughout was such a complex character that I felt definitely kept her cards close to her chest, and as such lent and air of mystery that kept me intrigued throughout the entire book. Her emotional journey and grief over the death of her father is what seems to spur her decision to leave the small college town she grew up in and I found her need to reinvent herself (into someone more confident and easy going) quite relatable, despite my reservations on her reliability as a narrator.

Rachel (who acts as a sort of mentor and aspirational figure for Ann) is the well connected, wealthy and charismatic IT girl who’s attention in Ann and their subsequent work together on an upcoming exhibition involving Tarot really spurs the suspenseful and obsessively plot twisty narrative.

I also really enjoyed Ann’s intense flirtation/romance with The Cloisters’ gardener Leo—whose rebellious, devil may care attitude was incredibly compelling, as was his mysterious history with Patrick and Rachel. But despite all the mysterious,bad boy bravado he was probably to most up front (and honest) character of them all.

The Pacing was a little slower than anticipated but it did help with setting up the necessary info surrounding the history of tarot and it’s importance within the plot—which I enjoyed though I wish the supernatural elements played a larger role.

Overall, an evocative and hypnotically immersive debut that’s perfect for fans of academia based psychological thrillers or The Secret History by Donna Tartt.

Also, a huge thank you to Izzie Ghaffari at Transworld/ Bantam Press for the incredible proof

Content Warnings

city_girl_writer's review against another edition

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dark mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

1.5

I kinda blame the marketing of this book for contributing to my utter disappointment. However, as a contemporary mystery novel with gothic elements...this was really underwhelming and predictable. The prologue gave things away at the start. Imma just say that the book is basically a murder mystery novel that fits the dark academia aesthetic in order to market the novel to a bigger audience. If you want dark academia vibes, then I guess you get it this book. But if you are looking for a good mystery novel, then you might be disappointed. The characters are not interesting or likeable. Those unlikeable characters are not even entertaining or intriguing enough to carry the story either.

Content Warnings

uranaishi's review against another edition

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adventurous dark informative mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

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