In the Tenth House

“Laura Dietz’s marvelous In the Tenth House invites readers into some of the odder corners of the Victorian era with a gothic plot involving spiritualism, psychiatry, fraud, greed, obsession, repressed sexuality and madness…an enthralling, intricate story rich in atmosphere and historical detail.”

–The Boston Globe

“In the Tenth House is a fabulous, funny, elegant recreation of the late Victorian world. Laura Dietz seems to have an almost psychic ability to re-create the Past and weave it into a narrative that bristles with thrills and contemporary resonance. That it is her first novel is something of a wonder.”

—Kathryn Hughes, author of The Short Life and Long Times of Mrs. Beeton

“Laura Dietz’s richly evocative prose draws us into a world that is both gothic and sensual. In the pages of her irresistibly spooky novel, we move between lunacy and clairvoyance, table rapping and Freud’s scandal-producing theories of sexuality, Victorian repression and passion let loose. Dietz mesmerizes us as completely as any genuine (or disingenuous) medium.”

—by Janis Cooke Newman, author of Mary, Mrs. A. Lincoln



“Laura Dietz makes an outstanding debut with In the Tenth House, giving us a bravura performance that features an intricate plot, a fascinating look at the Victorian’s penchant for spiritualism, intriguing characters, and prose to celebrate.”

—Elizabeth George, New York Times bestselling author





"Laura Dietz spins a bewitching tale of deception and desire. In graceful, multilayered prose, she brings to rich life the séances, slums, bustling streets, grand residences and public houses of late Victorian London. Full of life, her cast of beautifully drawn characters fly off the page. Like Frank Tallis’ A Death in Vienna, In the Tenth House explores the dual—and dueling—Victorian obsessions with spiritualism and the nascent field of psychology to remarkable effect. Dietz is a talent to watch."

— Sarah Stewart Taylor, author of Still As Death





“Dietz’s astounding debut is passionate, quick-paced and enthralling, a tale of passion and secrets, faith and fraud, set in the volatile atmosphere of Victorian England. When spiritualist Lily is injured in Victoria Station and Doctor Ambrose Gennett tends to her, this accidental meeting will change both their lives. Events achieve the mesmerizing momentum of a train wreck as these two rush towards the inevitable. I couldn’t put this novel down. Dietz has written a marvelous, exquisitely researched story of obsession, repression and the fateful intersection of spirituality, greed, and the emerging new science of psychology. It’s memorable, daring, really, really well done.”

— Jeanne Mackin, author of The Sweet By and By

“In the Tenth House is a beguiling tale that will please not only fans of Spiritualism and the Occult, but any reader looking for a good yarn rich in historical detail and psychological intrigue. Prepare yourself for a vivid and mysterious trip through Victorian England, led by an author who clearly knows her way.”
–Christopher Castellani, author of The Saint of Lost Things