The Fortune Seller

Nothing was happening, too much horses

Finished this earlier this week and, as I recall, not over the weekend b/c it was so hard to get into. I guess, though I like tarot and horses, I can't put myself in the mindframe of a “Yalie” (sorry, Bush) for extended periods. I did find myself finally absorbed and there were a couple of unexpected happenings so alls well that ends well.

I'm always a sucker for a mean girls type of read. I was excited when I was able to receive an ARC of The Fortune Seller. I wanted to love this one more, but overall it was just OK.

I haven't read a book that reads like a drama/mystery, that has background and side information overtaking the actual story. It got to the point I was just skimming every introduction at the start of the chapters because all the blurbs about the tarot cards were boring after a while. You also read about tarot cards within the story itself. It felt oversaturated to me.

I also felt at times there was too much explaining and focusing on all things horse-related. If you pulled all that out, the story itself would be very short. The story itself was ok, but I didn't like some of the ending and outcome.

Even though I wasn't a huge fan overall, those that enjoy tarot cards, readings and all things to do with horses may enjoy this. Just my perspective so if you have this on your list to read, pick it up and see how you land with it.

I sincerely appreciate the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy.

Book Review: “The Fortune Seller: A Novel” by Rachel Kapelke-Dale

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

In “The Fortune Seller,” Rachel Kapelke-Dale introduces us to Rosie Macalister, a middle-class student at Yale who struggles to fit in with her wealthy equestrian team friends. Upon her return from studying abroad, Rosie finds her circle disrupted by the enigmatic Annelise Tattinger, whose presence brings both intrigue and suspicion. As tensions rise and trust falters, Rosie delves into Annelise's true motives, leading to a tale of deception, ambition, and the consequences of desire in the elite world of Yale and Manhattan's hedge funds.

“The Fortune Seller” by Rachel Kapelke-Dale offers a compelling narrative that explores themes of class, ambition, and personal growth amidst a backdrop of privilege and deceit. The book starts off slowly, requiring patience from the reader to push through the initial chapters. However, as the story unfolds, the pace quickens, drawing readers into a web of secrets, betrayals, and the complexities of relationships among the affluent.

One of the standout features of the novel is the character development, particularly with Rosie and Annelise. Their evolving dynamic keeps the reader engaged as they navigate through the twists and turns of their intertwined fates. I found the emphasis on horse riding a bit tedious, but I loved the incorporation of tarot readings and thought it added an intriguing layer of mystique to the storyline.

Kapelke-Dale's writing style is evocative, capturing the essence of early 2000s elite society with precision and depth. The exploration of how personal choices and hidden agendas can shape destinies resonates throughout the narrative, leaving readers pondering the repercussions of privilege and ambition.

In conclusion, “The Fortune Seller” is a nuanced novel that rewards those who persevere through its slower beginnings. With its blend of mystery, drama, and social commentary, this book offers a thought-provoking journey into the complexities of human nature and the consequences of our choices.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary.⚠️

I just finished the Fortune Seller by Rachel Kapelke-Dale and here are my thoughts.


Rosie has spent years trying to fit in with her wealthy friends at Yale. All of them on the equestrian team and an easy life lays out in front of them all. She knew what she needed to do until that is, Annelise joined their house and team.

Annelise is a talented tarot reader and amazing horse rider. Then money starts to disappear from one of her wealthy friends' bank accounts. The girls start to turn on each other. It's long after graduation and Rosie works for a hedge fund now. It's there she discovers who Annelise really was but is it too late to right a wrong?

I hate horse people. They always seem to feel more entitled than other people and these girls were no exception . Rosie was at least half decent but she was all about the money as well. I didn't really find this to be a thriller really but I did love all the tarot stuff weaved in it.

It was super well written and I really did enjoy the book but it was a fairly slower paced book and it didn't ramp up at all so I felt it let me down a bit with that.

I did enjoy this book though and the ending was pretty great. There were some pretty decent twists and I would recommend this book to people who like coming of age books with some dark academia.

3.75 rounded to 4

Thank you to @stmartinspress and @netgalley for my gifted copy. Out NOW!!