Book Review: The London Séance Society by Sarah Penner, for mystery historical lovers

This has got to be one of my favorite books read in 2023. By chance I requested it on NetGalley and happened to get an approval. Thank you so much! I thoroughly enjoyed it, as it incorporated my favorite genres and writing devices. It’s historical fiction, mystery, suspense and takes places in two timelines with different perspectives. Who wouldn’t love it? 

During a time when women were ostracized for doing pretty much everything, I adored Vaudeline and Lenna, they really contrasted each other. Even though Lenna looked up to Vaudeline, she kept her head on straight going into London to shadow a seance that Vaudeline had to do. Throughout the novel, we see Lenna grow as a character going from someone who merely believed in spiritual stuff and only tagged along to discover the death behind her sister—to becoming better at the game than her teacher. We get a glimpse into Lenna’s point of view being our central character. Mr. Morley whose behind The London Séance Society and back to the past where we hear Evie’s story before she passes. 

I hold Lenna dear to my heart and will say, the other two narrators were not always reliable. However, for writing purposes and the roles they played character wise they fit the story perfectly. I love when authors play tricks on their readers and have us guessing who to believe and whose side to be on. 

This becomes especially difficult the further we go into the story. It’s an average size book which I flew through and could’ve finished in one day had I not been preoccupied. The writing itself flows well together, making it an even more enjoyable read. I don’t want to give too much away being as it is a mystery, but one you won’t regret reading! 

What I love especially about the historical genre is the sense of realism to it. Unfortunately many women have been mistreated in history. Throughout the book we see our two main characters fight their way to the top to be treated fairly and taken seriously. Books like these show classic examples of when men used to (and probably still do today) exploit widowers of big fortunes and plots because they know how vulnerable they are during the grieving stages. Even though it’s a fictional story, there is some sad truth to it.