The Review

As expected, based on the accolades for “The Lost Apothecary,” “The London Séance Society” received a similar reception prior to its publication date. In Penner’s sophomore effort, we are invited into an intriguing world of Victorian spiritualism, blending a murder mystery with elements of the paranormal. Though I had not read “The Lost Apothecary,” the magical realism aspect of Penner’s book seemed to fit my typical preferences, so I quickly joined the waitlist to receive the audiobook copy on Libby for “The London Séance Society.”

While multiple expectations were riding high based on the success of the author’s debut, I found myself struggling to connect with the narrative. Although Penner skillfully captured the essence of Victorian society and dabbled in the mystique of spiritualism, the execution fell short for me. The initial promise of a riveting tale gradually waned, and I found myself grappling with pacing issues that hindered my immersion into the story.

The narrative, set in 1873, follows Lenna Wilkes, an understudy to the renowned medium Vaudeline D’Allaire, who specializes in solving crimes through séances. Lenna, driven by the murder of her sister Evie, becomes entangled in a complex web of mysteries that lead her and Vaudeline back to London. As they assist in unraveling the murder of the London Séance Society’s president, the story delves into the societal norms and spiritualist movements of the time. However, the alternating perspectives of Lenna (3rd Person) and Mr. Morley (1st Person), which initially added depth, started feeling predictable, and the transitions between past and present became jarring.

Despite its flaws, there are redeeming qualities in “The London Séance Society.” The atmospheric depiction of Victorian society and the exploration of spiritualism offer glimpses of the author’s talent. Additionally, the characters, although struggling to fully engage me, had moments of intrigue. Plus, the exploration of spiritualism and the society’s endeavors to connect with the supernatural add an intriguing layer to the plot.

After the halfway point, there is a sense that the story might redeem itself in the final chapters, offering unexpected twists and resolutions. Once we hit the final chapters, the story does deliver unexpected twists, and the resolutions are satisfying, albeit leaving me yearning for a more consistently engaging journey. The conclusion ties loose ends, revealing the intricate web of secrets that had eluded discovery.

In essence, “The London Séance Society” is a mixed bag of historical charm, supernatural allure, and narrative stumbles. While it may not have fully met the high expectations set by its predecessor, there’s a distinct possibility that readers with a penchant for Victorian mysteries and the occult might find solace in the novel’s resolution. Penner’s attempt to blend historical fiction with paranormal intrigue deserves recognition, even as the journey to the final séance may prove a test of patience for some.

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Short Review (AKA TLDR)

“The London Séance Society” by Sarah Penner blends Victorian spiritualism with a murder mystery, but falls short of expectations set by its predecessor. Set in 1873, the narrative follows Lenna Wilkes, an apprentice to a renowned medium, as she unravels mysteries tied to her sister’s murder. While the atmospheric depiction of Victorian society and exploration of spiritualism showcase the author’s talent, pacing issues and predictable alternating perspectives hinder the narrative. The story picks up in the final chapters, delivering unexpected twists and resolutions, but the overall journey may test readers’ patience. Despite its flaws, the novel appeals to those interested in Victorian mysteries and the occult.