What would you do if the dead could help solve a murder?

The London Seance Society by Sarah Penner is a historical fiction novel set in 1873. It mixes mystery with the world of séances, following two women caught between science, secrets, and the supernatural. The story moves between Paris and London, with candlelit séances and hidden motives guiding the way.

The book, published in 2023, introduces readers to a world where grief, revenge, and truth are closely linked. It follows Lenna, a skeptic scholar, and Vaudeline, a medium with a gift for solving crimes. Their partnership is tested as they face a powerful secret society.

With mystery, danger, and a focus on female strength, this story looks at what justice really means—and what it might cost.

Plot Summary

Lenna Wickes is a young woman filled with questions after her sister’s sudden death. She travels to Paris to study under Vaudeline D’Allaire, a famous spiritualist who is known for her ability to contact the dead and help solve murder cases. Though Lenna is unsure about the spirit world, she hopes Vaudeline can help her uncover what really happened to her sister.

When a leader of the London Séance Society is killed, Vaudeline is asked to return to England. Lenna joins her, eager to learn the truth behind both deaths. But once inside the secretive society, they find themselves surrounded by strange rituals, hidden motives, and powerful men guarding secrets.

Together, they must use séances to connect with the dead while avoiding those who would rather keep the truth buried.

My Review

This section shares my honest thoughts on the book—from the pacing and characters to what worked well and what didn’t.

Personal Thoughts on the Book

The book has a slow, steady tone, rich detail, and quiet suspense. It doesn’t rush but builds tension through mood, setting, and silence. The writing feels calm yet layered, with emotional weight in each scene.

The pacing starts carefully, letting readers settle into Lenna’s grief and the world of séances. It picks up as secrets unfold, drawing you deeper into the story. The language is smooth and thoughtful, giving space to each character’s emotions.

It’s not packed with action, but the tension keeps you reading. Sarah Penner’s style gives importance to every line, making even small details matter. It feels more like uncovering truths than chasing twists.

Things I Liked and Disliked

One of the best things about the book is its atmosphere. The mix of spiritualism, secret societies, and candlelit séances feels haunting and intimate. The emotional depth of the characters also stands out.

The female leads—Lenna and Vaudeline—are smart and strong in different ways. Their bond grows slowly and feels believable. The book also explores grief, power, and trust in an honest way.

One downside is the slow beginning. It takes time to build momentum, which may not work for every reader. Also, some plot twists are easier to guess if you pay close attention early on.

EXPLICIT SPOILER WARNING

This section includes key plot reveals. If you haven’t finished the book, consider saving this part for later. The twists are central to the story’s emotional payoff.

• Evie’s death was not accidental: She was murdered during a séance ceremony gone wrong. The very people who hide the truth meant to protect Society’s rules.

• Mr. Morley is involved in the crime: He keeps secrets and plays a larger role in the cover-up than first shown. His charm hides cruelty.

• Lenna gains strength as she faces her grief, uncovers the truth, and steps into a more powerful role. Her bond with Vaudeline grows, giving her the support she needs.

These twists bring closure to Lenna’s story and justice for her sister. The ending is thoughtful, filled with sorrow, but also with strength.

Ratings and Reviews from Readers

The London Seance Society has received mixed feedback. Many readers applaud its moody setting and layered storytelling. While some wished for faster pacing, most agree it delivers a strong atmosphere and memorable characters.

Goodreads Rating and How Many People Rated It

The book has an average rating of 3.73 on Goodreads, based on over 65,000 ratings. It stands out for its blend of historical fiction and supernatural suspense.

Many readers praised the book’s rich atmosphere and original concept. While opinions vary on pacing, the overall reception shows a strong interest in its ghostly and mysterious storyline.

Goodreads Reviews

Many readers on Goodreads were drawn to the eerie tone and unique premise. The characters and setting were frequent highlights.

“The writing pulled me in slowly, and by the final chapters, I couldn’t look away.” – Rachel N.
“Not as fast-paced as I hoped, but the characters were strong and well-drawn.” – Lucas P.
“Penner knows how to create mood. The London setting and the séance scenes stood out the most.” – Helena W.

These reviews show how much the book’s atmosphere and character work resonated with readers, even if the pacing was a concern for some.

Amazon Reviews

On Amazon, readers appreciated the tone and setting. Some noted it wasn’t a quick read, but found the payoff worth it.

“I loved the dark setting and strong women. It felt fresh even though the plot was set in the past.” – Karen D.
“There were some slow spots, but I stayed up late just to finish it.” – Olivia R.
“The balance of mystery and spirit-world tension kept me invested. It wasn’t perfect, but it stayed with me.” – Max T.

These thoughts reflect how the book’s tone and storytelling style resonated with readers who enjoy slower, detailed mysteries.

How the Book Sets Itself Apart from Others

The London Seance Society blends murder mystery with supernatural themes, giving it a distinctive edge. Its female-led story, emotional depth, and eerie 19th-century London setting offer a fresh approach to historical thrillers.

It’s not just about spirits—it’s about power, truth, and trust in a time when women were often overlooked.

What Authors Have to Say About The London Seance Society

Authors familiar with historical and gothic fiction have shared thoughtful praise for The London Seance Society. Many admire Sarah Penner’s ability to mix suspense with layered female characters in a dark, atmospheric setting.

“Sarah Penner brings the shadows of Victorian London to life with unforgettable women and chilling secrets.” – Paula Hawkins, author of The Girl on the Train

“A gripping and imaginative story that’s as much about power as it is about ghosts.” – Simone St. James, author of The Sun Down Motel

“Penner’s writing is sharp and confident—this book will keep readers turning pages long into the night.”– Ruth Ware, author of The Woman in Cabin 10

Penner’s work continues to spark strong reactions among authors in the genre. With praise focused on her tone, setting, and bold characters, the book has gained support from voices that know this space well.

Is Reading The London Seance Society Worth It?

The London Seance Society is a solid pick for readers who enjoy slow-burn mysteries with a historical and ghostly twist. The story blends séance rituals, quiet suspense, and a steady unraveling of secrets. It may not move quickly, but it builds a strong mood.

What makes it stand out is the focus on two women pushing against the limits of their time. Their strength, curiosity, and connection bring heart to the mystery. The atmosphere is dark yet inviting, perfect for fans of Victorian-era settings.

If you enjoy historical fiction, quiet tension, and a bit of the supernatural, this book offers a satisfying read. It’s not for those who want constant action, but it rewards patience with a layered, meaningful story.

Similar Books if You Enjoyed The London Seance Society

If you liked The London Seance Society, you may enjoy other books with mystery, history, and a touch of the unexplained. These also center around strong women and hidden truths.

• The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner: A dual-timeline tale about women, revenge, and hidden remedies in 18th-century London.

• The Death of Jane Lawrence by Caitlin Starling: A Gothic horror story with eerie settings and a marriage built on secrets.

• The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams: A historical novel about language, womanhood, and the power of words during a time of great change.

• The Haunting of Maddy Clare by Simone St. James: A ghost story with a female lead set in post-WWI England, full of emotion and suspense.

• The Witch’s Daughter by Paula Brackston: A story that spans centuries, following a woman who once made a desperate deal to survive.

These stories are good picks for fans of moody mysteries and historical themes.

Conclusion

The London Seance Society blends murder mystery with ghostly suspense and gives its female leads space to shine.

Readers who enjoy dark secrets, moody settings, and historical stories will find much to like here. The book focuses on the emotional weight of loss and the search for truth.

It offers more than just plot twists. The deeper questions about belief, power, and loyalty stay with you after the final page. The characters, especially Lenna and Vaudeline, show strength in the face of doubt and danger.

This book is a good pick for fans of eerie stories, slow-building tension, and stories about women working together in a world that doubts them. If you like a mix of ghostly mystery and strong emotions, The London Seance Society delivers a story worth reading.