The Cloisters Book Summary

A Novel

by Katy Hays92

TL;DR

In 'The Cloisters,' Ann Stilwell’s summer job at a gothic museum delves into the dark arts of divination, leading to deadly power plays as she uncovers a mysterious 15th-century tarot deck.

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What is The Cloisters about

'The Cloisters' by Katy Hays is a suspenseful novel that merges themes of art, history, and mysticism. Ann Stilwell arrives in New York City expecting to work at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, but instead, she is assigned to The Cloisters, an enigmatic museum focused on medieval art and the history of divination. As Ann becomes entangled with the museum's researchers and their arcane studies, she stumbles upon a hidden 15th-century tarot deck that could predict the future. The story intertwines her quest for knowledge with a dangerous game of power, seduction, and ambition, escalating into deadly consequences.

The Cloisters 5 Key Takeaways

Ann arrives in New York City.

Ann Stilwell moves to New York City for a summer job at the Metropolitan Museum of Art but is unexpectedly transferred to The Cloisters, a gothic museum known for its medieval art collection.

Discovery of the tarot deck.

Ann stumbles upon a hidden 15th-century deck of tarot cards, sparking her curiosity and leading her to delve deeper into the history and power of divination.

The dangerous game at The Cloisters.

As Ann gets involved with the researchers' theories, she finds herself in a deadly game of power and seduction that blurs the lines between the ancient and the modern.

Romantic entanglements.

Ann's relationship with Leo offers a brief respite, but it soon becomes tainted by the dark and sinister forces at play within The Cloisters.

Race for answers.

As the stakes escalate, Ann races to uncover the truth behind the tarot deck and the dangerous ambitions of those around her, leading to a climactic and lethal outcome.

Top The Cloisters Quotes

  • 'The line between the arcane and the modern is thinner than we think.'
  • 'In the darkest corners of art, one can find the truest reflections of oneself.'

Who should read The Cloisters?

'The Cloisters' is ideal for readers who enjoy suspenseful novels that weave together history, art, and mysticism. Fans of dark academia, Gothic settings, and intricate plots filled with twists and turns will find this book particularly engaging. Additionally, those interested in the occult and the power of divination will be captivated by the story's central themes.

About the Author

Katy Hays is an accomplished art historian and debut novelist. With a deep interest in medieval art and mysticism, her expertise and passion shine through in 'The Cloisters.' Hays combines her academic background with her storytelling skills to create a gripping narrative that draws readers into the dark and mysterious world of art and divination. 'The Cloisters' is her first novel, marking a promising start to her literary career.

The Cloisters Best Reviews

  • 'The Cloisters' is an enthralling blend of history, art, and suspense that keeps readers on edge with its mysterious and dark narrative. - The New York Times
  • Katy Hays delivers a compelling debut, weaving together themes of grief, ambition, and the occult in a gripping tale. - Publishers Weekly

The Cloisters FAQs

What happens in The Cloisters book?

Ann Stilwell's academic curiosity about a hidden 15th-century deck of tarot cards quickly turns into an obsession, leading her into a dangerous game of power and ambition at The Cloisters.

Is there romance in The Cloisters book?

Yes, there is a romantic storyline involving Leo, but it is overshadowed by the sinister events and dark magic at The Cloisters.

Is The Cloisters worth reading?

For readers who enjoy history, art, and the occult, 'The Cloisters' is an engaging and suspenseful novel with shattering plot twists and an ending that leaves room for a possible sequel.