Tonya Mitchell
Bold Women. Dark Stories.
Praise for The Arsenic Eater's Wife
"A gorgeously Gothic and atmospheric whodunit filled with surprising twists and memorable characters that I tore through in a single sitting. Inspired by a true-life crime, The Arsenic Eater’s Wife offers proof that the darkest mystery remains the human heart."
—Kris Waldherr, author of Unnatural Creatures: A Novel of the Frankenstein Women and The Lost History of Dreams
“This Victorian-era mystery had me in its grip from the first page to the last. The story is laced with suspense and shocking twists and depicts a time when a troubled marriage left women tragically few options. A first-rate page-turner.”
—Nancy Bilyeau, author of The Orchid Hour
“With more than a hint of the Gothic, Tonya Mitchell masterfully builds a palpable sense of dread throughout, but manages also to offer her characters grace even when their actions and feelings are deeply flawed. This is historical fiction at its best.”
—Molly Greeley, author of Marvelous
"A provocative, suspenseful Gothic treat of a novel, inspired by real events. Mitchell’s atmospheric prose carries readers into the past as a woman accused of murder desperately tries to reclaim her innocence and survive a harrowing betrayal. Rife with secrets, intrigue, and serpentine twists. You won’t be able to put it down!"
—Paulette Kennedy, bestselling author of Parting the Veil
“Tonya Mitchell’s The Arsenic Eater’s Wife renders a dark and intricately brushed portrait of the
dichotomous business of human nature. Set against the scintillating murk of 19th century Liverpool England, Mitchell’s novel simmers good, and hot, and glorious with atmosphere, arsenic, intrigue, and lies.”
—Robert Gwaltney, award winning author of The Cicada Tree and Georgia Author of the Year.
“Inspired by an infamous real-life trial, The Arsenic Eater’s Wife is a masterclass in historical
suspense, brimming with intrigue, family secrets, betrayals—and a final quest for revenge.”
—Elizabeth Blackwell, author of On A Cold Dark Sea and Red Mistress
“A genuinely gripping story of a young woman trapped. Mitchell brings depth and authenticity to
her characters and setting, while expertly recreating Victorian trials of murder by poison. A compelling tale that will have you wondering who did it right to the end. A must read for fans of historical fiction.”
—Kerry Cathers, author of A Writer's Guide to Nineteenth-century Murder by Arsenic
Phoenix Award for Best New Voice in Historical Fiction in the 2020 Kops-Fetherling International Book Awards.
Silver 2021 Reader Views Reviewer's Choice Award in Historical Fiction
"Astounding...invigorating. Will surely leave the reader breathless once the final page is turned." -Reader Views
"A Feigned Madness is a gorgeously written, powerful story of a courageous and remarkable woman."
- Historical Novel Society
WINNER of
the Book Cover of the Month Award
May 2020
"Simply addictive... A satisfying and riveting tale... Historical fiction lovers are in for a treat."
- Prairie Book Review
“An incredible journey back to the Victorian era of the late 1800s…I found it impossible not to love Elizabeth, aka Nellie, and wanted to go back in time to meet her. You will not be disappointed…a must-read.”
-Readers Favorite Book Reviews
Praise for A Feigned Madness
“Debut author Mitchell brings the courageous, determined Nellie Bly to vivid life in this fictionalized account of one of Bly’s most daring escapades: her ten days in the notorious asylum at Blackwell’s Island. Mixing known history with intriguing speculation, Mitchell depicts the horrific conditions of the asylum, Bly’s ambitious rise as a newspaperwoman, and the magnetic draw of forbidden love with equal skill.”
—Greer Macallister, USA Today best-selling author of The Magician’s Lie and The Arctic Fury
“A page-turning thrill ride through an often overlooked historical atrocity, A Feigned Madness vividly recounts the horrors of Blackwell’s Island and the mistreatment of its inmates. As a reader, I could really feel Nellie Bly’s tenacious thirst to see them have justice.”
—Nicole Evelina, USA Today best-selling author
“This vivid, enthralling novel of daredevil reporter Nellie Bly’s undercover exposé of the abuses at Blackwell’s Island Asylum for Women took me by the throat and never let go. Nellie Bly’s ambitions, talents, pugnacity, and huge heart shine throughout. A Feigned Madness is a knockout.”
—Kim Taylor Blakemore, author of The Companion and After Alice Fell
“Mitchell takes us on a journey through the gates of hell to a place as mesmerizing as it is dark. A compelling read for anyone with an interest in Victorian history.”
—Pam Lecky, author of The Lucy Lawrence Mystery Series
“A riveting tale of a female daredevil who risked all for ambition in Gilded Age New York. Mitchell’s Nellie Bly is a captivating heroine whose suspenseful story inspires even as it intrigues.”
—Ann Shortell, award-winning novelist and journalist