The London Séance Society Summary
The London Séance Society, written by Sarah Penner, is a captivating audiobook set in the late 1800s that delves into the world of spiritualism, crime-solving, and the lengths people will go to uncover the truth.
The story follows Lenna Wickes, a young woman who travels to Paris to uncover the truth about her sister's death. There she meets renowned spiritualist Vaudeline D'Allaire, who uses her talents to communicate with the dead and solve murder cases. Intrigued, Lenna becomes Vaudeline's understudy and travels with her to England to solve a high-profile murder.
As the duo teams up with the powerful men of London's exclusive Séance Society to solve the mystery, they begin to unravel a web of deceit and corruption that threatens to engulf them. Soon, they find themselves not only trying to solve a crime but also entangled in it themselves.
Penner's writing is atmospheric and immersive, bringing to life the gritty streets of London and the eerie world of spiritualism. The audiobook is filled with twists and turns that keep the listener on the edge of their seat, wondering what will happen next.
The characters in The London Séance Society are well-developed and multi-dimensional. Lenna is a strong-willed and determined woman who is not afraid to challenge the status quo, while Vaudeline is enigmatic and mysterious, with a hidden past that slowly unfolds throughout the story. The male characters are equally fascinating, with their own secrets and agendas that keep the listener guessing.
One of the most compelling aspects of The London Séance Society is its exploration of the role of women in Victorian society. Lenna and Vaudeline challenge the patriarchal norms of their time, fighting for their right to be heard and to pursue their passions. The audiobook also highlights the often-sordid world of spiritualism and the ways in which it was exploited for personal gain.
Overall, The London Séance Society is a gripping and thought-provoking audiobook that will appeal to fans of historical fiction, crime fiction, and supernatural thrillers. Penner's writing is superb, and the narration by Antonia Beamish brings the story to life, making it a must-listen for any audiobook lover.