This read was one that I’d first become aware of from BOTM, however I didn’t choose it for my monthly box. I saw it come across Libby, so placed a hold there and read it for my September 2023 yellow reads. Here’s my thoughts on this read!
“Men want to feel pursued, but still superior. They want to feel understood, but not exposed. They want control over you, but they want to believe you’re a fool, unaware of it.”
Goodreads Summary
1873. At an abandoned château on the outskirts of Paris, a dark séance is about to take place, led by acclaimed spiritualist Vaudeline D’Allaire. Known worldwide for her talent in conjuring the spirits of murder victims to ascertain the identities of the people who killed them, she is highly sought after by widows and investigators alike. Lenna Wickes has come to Paris to find answers about her sister’s death, but to do so, she must embrace the unknown and overcome her own logic-driven bias against the occult. When Vaudeline is beckoned to England to solve a high-profile murder, Lenna accompanies her as an understudy. But as the women team up with the powerful men of London’s exclusive Séance Society to solve the mystery, they begin to suspect that they are not merely out to solve a crime, but perhaps entangled in one themselves…
“Convention could burn, for all she cared.”
Evaluation
This was a decent historical fiction read with a mystery at its hear that kept me entertained and engaged. I was immediately partial to Lenna, so was rooting for Evie and Vaudeline to be innocent, was skeptical of Mr. Morley, and enjoyed the Lesbian romance stories ahead of their time. I especially liked the setting of 1870s London and the insight into the subversive and occult seance culture. Reading about Lenna and Vaudeline’s measures to figure out the mystery and enact revenge was both exciting and unnerving. This story was full of corruption, deceit, mystery, romance, fantasy, and supernatural elements.
“Something cannot be an illusion if it still exists after we think it has gone.”
My 5 Star Rating in the Historical Fiction Genre: *** (3/5)
Recommendation
This book is a good read for people who enjoy historical fictions with mystery & fantastical elements to the plot. Also, those that like LGBT representation with low spice level would appreciate this book. This story was somewhat reminiscent of The Lost Apothecary in a few ways, so if you enjoyed that read you may like this one as well. Goodreads recommends this book to readers who also enjoyed Weyward by Hart, The Wishing Game by Shaffer, and Ink Blood Sister Scribe by Torzs.
“If only I could run myself through a sieve, Lenna thought, and separate the feelings inside of me so to better deal with them one by one.”
I hope this review of The London Seance Society by Sarah Penner was an enjoyable read. I’d love to hear your thoughts on it. Until next time…happy reading!
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