The Fourth Wife

By: Linda Hamilton

Narrated by: Morgan Hallett

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

A lot of historical accuracy from someone born into polygamy!!!

Omg as someone who came from modern day polygamy based from the lds church this was so accurate! I also have read many books written in the early Utah days and this was a delight to read a modern book from an author that truly seemed to get it (from what I read of how the women back then felt living polygamy and even my own aunts and mother) Definitely some fantasy crossover towards the end but such a cool idea to intertwine it with Mormon theology. Very satisfying feeling some justice for the religious trauma! Loved it.

Fresh

I love that there was a little bit of a twist, and it wasn’t what you were typically read. The author attempted to use as much fact and authenticity as possible which made a large difference. One can only imagine to be a polygamist wife but the perspective that is placed makes you understand more of what it felt like. Having the different personalities of the characters was nice also. I would have enjoyed it if there was a little bit more detail about the past with the first wife. Overall, it was a nice mixture of reality and fantasy. Only reason that I gave it a four star was because I wish I had been a little bit more character development.

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!

This should be a movie

Listen to this in one day....couldn't wait to see how it ended. Great book for author's debut. The narrator captured the nuances and emotions beautifully. Can't wait for Linda's next book!!