When Lenna Wickes starts investigating her sister Evie’s mysterious death, she ends up on the doorstep of spiritualist Vaudeline D’Allaire. Vaudeline takes her calling seriously, specializing in contacting the spirits of murder victims. Lenna hopes that her sister’s former teacher can give her the skills necessary to conjure her sister’s spirit. The spirit world that captivated her sister lures her in with incantations, flickering candles, and mystery at every turn.
Together they end up at the London Séance Society, run by Mr. Morley, who runs the Department of Spiritualism at the exclusive gentleman’s organization. Mr. Morley has called on Vaudeline to investigate a death of a society member. When Lenna spots Evie’s handwriting in the organization’s guest book, her shock gives way to curiosity. How did her sister end up at the society? And why was she there?
Lenna and Mr. Morley are the narrators of this story, but rest assured that the deceased Evie makes her presence known throughout the book as well. Nineteenth century London is on full display in this gothic mystery that will draw you into the world of skepticism and spiritualism.
Sarah Penner follows her debut The Lost Apothecary with another atmospheric read. I’ll be honest, the author’s first book was a bit of a disappointment for me. But I loved the idea behind this book so I picked it up. The book’s strength lies in its subject and setting. I was pleasantly surprised by the book and found it to be a riveting read. It was still missing *something* for me that I can’t put my finger on, but it was an engrossing, fun read.
The London Séance Society comes out March 7. Request your copy here.
*I received a review copy from HarperCollins and Edelweiss. This is my honest review.
-Melinda
Read it or Weep 