Kaethe Schwehn’s new novel, The Gospel of Salome, was met with unanimous praise the week of its release. The latest Wildhouse Fiction book became available at major online booksellers on October 15, 2025, and critics applauded the book for its prose, insightful comparisons to modern-day issues, and imaginative plot.
The Chicago Review of Books shared a review on October 19, 2025, calling the book “an ornate mosaic of survival, faith, and the importance of being the savior god of your own story.” CHIRB reviewer Angie Raney applauded the clear message of courage in this book, referencing the strong similarities between violence and prejudice described in the book with events of the current times.
“With school shootings, genocide, and a general sense of empathetic emptiness running rampant, sometimes our first reaction is to turn away,” Raney wrote. “But what a privilege it is to feign ignorance, to completely abandon those who need to be seen most. John Mark, though terrified, broken, and disgusted beyond comprehension, stays and bears witness to the agony of those in front of him.”
In addition to early praise from Foreword Reviews, Schwehn’s novel also landed a spot on The Englewood Review of Book’s “10 Books to Watch for This Quarter” on October 16, 2025. The Gospel of Salome was in great company on this list, celebrated alongside new books from prominent literary figures such as Kate DiCamillo (author of Newbery medal-winning Because of Winn-Dixie) and Kiran Desai (author of Man Booker Prize winner The Inheritance of Loss.)
Schwehn is kicking off her Fall 2025 book tour on Thursday at Subtext Books in St. Paul, Minnesota, and will appear at bookshops throughout the northern Midwest region in Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. A resident of Northfield, Minnesota, Schwehn’s official book launch is taking place in partnership with Content Books in her hometown on November 2. More information about her appearances can be found on the Wildhouse Website.
Blog post written by Ava O’Malley