The Fourth Wife

The Hacienda by Isabel Cañas meets “Sister Wives” in a deliciously chilling, darkly romantic, historical gothic horror with a feminist slant, as a young Mormon woman is haunted by a malevolent presence in the decrepit Salt Lake City mansion she shares with her new husband and his other wives…

Hazel Russon’s life in 1882 Utah territory is defined by three things: the Mormon church, polygamy, and the men who control both. She knows she’s supposed to suppress her sinful dreams of a monogamous life with her sweetheart, and her desire for the freedom to play her beloved piano. Every Mormon woman’s duty is to live obediently and meekly, devoted to her husband and her calling as a sister wife. Her eternal salvation depends upon it.

Commanded to become the fourth wife of a man she’s never met, Hazel is relieved that Jacob Manwaring is attentive and handsome. However, she is shocked to discover that instead of living separately as is custom, all of Jacob’s wives and children live in the same house—a large, dilapidated manor that inexplicably fills Hazel with dread.

Despite Jacob’s tenderness, Hazel senses dark secrets and resentments among her sister wives. She hears strange music, sees blood oozing from the very walls, and glimpses apparitions that grow more terrifying every day. And as her nightmares worsen, Hazel can’t be sure if she has more to fear from the living—including her mysterious husband—or from a sinister presence that seems to animate the house itself . . .

Drawing on little-known Mormon folklore and the author’s own polygamous ancestors, this fascinating, suspense-filled historical novel debut is by turns darkly romantic, spine-tingling, and wholly unforgettable.

©2026 Linda Hamilton (P)2026 Recorded Books

Gothic Historical Fiction Goodness

This book is definitely a slow burn. So if your into slow burn feminist gothic horrors/and or religious trauma then this book is definitely for you... Once I got through the first half of the book I really struggled to put it down.

This was actually a bit spicier than I thought it was going to be with a twist of romance which was an interesting surprised that I didn't see coming. The author does a fantastic job of blending grounded historical novel with classic gothic tropes that makes this book special.

I think if you're a women coming out of the Mormon church this might resonate with you. I was raised in a strict Christian household and it resonated with me in many ways.

A wonderful Gothic Thriller!

I enjoyed this book from start to finish! I great peak into the lives of Mormon plural marriages of long ago and the struggles of the women, mixed with the power of sisterhood and a spooky mystery story. A strong plot line and so many unexpected twists and turns- I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this book! 10/10!