The Cloisters by Katy Hays
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Cloisters in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The Gist
Katy Hays’ debut novel, The Cloisters, is a captivating and atmospheric blend of historical mystery and academic intrigue. It keeps readers on edge from beginning to end. Set primarily within the mystical, ivy-draped walls of The Cloisters, a gothic museum in New York City renowned for its medieval art collection, this novel explores the dark undercurrents of ambition, power, and obsession.
The story follows Ann Stilwell, a young academic who is unexpectedly drawn into the world of tarot cards, ancient manuscripts, and deadly secrets. She lands a summer job at The Cloisters. What begins as an innocent, career-building opportunity quickly turns sinister. Ann finds herself entangled in a mystery that could reshape her understanding of history—and the boundaries of fate.
The Details
Hays masterfully weaves a sense of foreboding throughout the narrative. There are lush descriptions of the cloistered gardens, ancient artifacts, and the secretive lives of her colleagues. Her portrayal of tarot and medieval mysticism adds a layer of intrigue that enhances the novel’s allure. It adds more than just a mystery but a cerebral exploration of destiny and free will. The tension between Ann and her enigmatic coworkers is palpable, and the twists that unfold are both surprising and satisfying.
Hays’ academic background enriches the novel, giving it an authentic and intelligent voice. The slow-burn pacing, combined with the richly detailed setting, creates a hauntingly immersive experience. The Cloisters is not just a mystery novel—it’s a deep dive into the human desire to control fate, and the lengths to which people will go to achieve power.
The Verdict
Overall, with its gothic charm, intelligent plot, and carefully crafted characters, The Cloisters will appeal to fans of Donna Tartt’s The Secret History and Alex Michaelides’ The Silent Patient. It’s an elegant and absorbing read that marks Katy Hays as an author to watch in the literary world. Highly recommended for lovers of dark academia, historical mysteries, and anyone drawn to stories where the lines between past and present blur in eerie and unexpected ways.
