From the acclaimed author of Mrs. March comes the riveting tale of a bloodthirsty governess who learns the true meaning of vengeance.

Grim Wolds, England: Winifred Notty arrives at Ensor House prepared to play the perfect governess—she’ll dutifully tutor her charges, Drusilla and Andrew, tell them bedtime stories, and only joke about eating children. But long, listless days spent within the estate’s dreary confines come with an intimate knowledge of the perversions and pathetic preoccupations of the Pounds family—Mr. Pounds can’t keep his eyes off Winifred’s chest, and Mrs. Pounds takes a sickly pleasure in punishing Winifred for her husband’s wandering gaze. Compounded with her disdain for the entitled Pounds children, Winifred finds herself struggling at every turn to stifle the violent compulsions of her past. French tutoring and needlework are one way to pass the time, as is admiring the ugly portraits in the gallery . . . and creeping across the moonlit lawns. . . .

Patience. Winifred must have patience, for Christmas is coming, and she has very special gifts planned for the dear souls of Ensor House. Brimming with sardonic wit and culminating in a shocking conclusion, Victorian Psycho plunges readers into the chilling mind of an iconic new literary psychopath.

From the moment I read the synopsis of this book, I knew I had to have it. A governess with a grudge, an eerie English manor, and the promise of a Christmas bloodbath? Say no more. I love old-timey horror novels, and this one did not disappoint. It is a twisted, gothic blood bath that is equally macabre and darkly hilarious. I devoured it in a single sitting.

The premise is simple: A psychotic governess with an unknown score to settle with the Pounds family takes up residence in their home to watch over their two children. Murder and mayhem ensue. Feito plays with the classic trope of the suffering governess, turning it entirely on its head. Instead of a meek, mistreated woman, we get Winifred Notty- who is every bit as monstrous as the people around her, if not more so. And yet, there’s a gleeful sense of justice in her rage.

Winifred is, without question, one of the best antiheroes I’ve read in a long time. She is unapologetically unhinged, delightfully wicked, and razor-sharp in both her wit and her homicidal intentions. From the very first page, we know she has a vendetta against the Pounds family, and we know Christmas at Ensor House is going to be a blood-soaked affair. What we don’t know is exactly how it will unfold, and that anticipation makes the novel impossible to put down.

Winifred’s narration is laced with sarcasm, and her actions are questionable at best, which makes her both repulsive and weirdly charming. Her observations about the family’s perversions and absurdities are so biting that it’s easy to forget she is, in fact, a monster in her own right.

The Pounds family is utterly detestable, which makes Winifred’s loathing of them all the more satisfying. Mr. Pounds is a lecherous, bumbling fool who can’t keep his eyes off Winifred, while Mrs. Pounds is a bitter, controlling woman who takes joy in humiliating her. Their children, Drusilla and Andrew, are entitled little nightmares, giving Winifred even more reason to fantasize about their demise.

Ensor House is the quintessential gothic setting – cold, dreary, and filled with secrets. The atmosphere Feito creates is deliciously claustrophobic, making it feel like something sinister is lurking in every corner. The house itself feels alive, mirroring Winifred’s growing instability. Between the grotesque family portraits, the stifling domestic routine, and the strange dynamics within the household, every scene brims with unease.

One of the most impressive aspects of the novel is how it blends horror with humor. It’s grotesque, yes, but also laugh-out-loud funny in the most absurd ways. Winifred’s inner monologue is sharp and unapologetic, making even the most gruesome moments feel bizarrely entertaining. The novel is filled with biting satire about class, gender roles, and Victorian propriety, all wrapped up in a blood-spattered package.

That being said, the horror elements do not hold back. There are moments that are genuinely unsettling, particularly as Winifred’s plans begin to take shape. Feito has a way of making the grotesque feel almost poetic, which only adds to the novel’s dark charm.

At just under 200 pages, the author wastes no time getting to the point. Winifred has a job to do, and she’s going to do it. The book is tightly paced, with not a single dull moment. Every scene builds tension, leading to a final act that is as chaotic as it is satisfying. Because the novel is so compact, it’s easy to devour in one sitting – and once you start, it’s nearly impossible to stop.

Overall, I found this to be a deliciously demented gothic horror novel that I highly recommend to dark comedy lovers. Winifred Notty is a truly unforgettable character, and Feito’s sharp writing makes every page a twisted delight. If you enjoy horror that is both smart and savage, with a protagonist who is as wickedly entertaining as she is deranged, this book is definitely for you.