“Something cannot be an illusion if it still exists after we think it has gone.”

Looking for your next spooky historical read? The London Séance Society might be just what you need. In this review, I’ll share everything about Sarah Penner’s ghostly Victorian mystery – from the plot to who should read it.

I spent three late nights with this book, so you don’t have to wonder if it’s worth your time. As someone who’s read dozens of historical mysteries, I can tell you exactly how this one stacks up.

You’re probably searching for a book that balances history, mystery, and the supernatural without being too scary or too dull. That’s exactly what I’ll help you figure out.

I’ll break down:

• What the story is really about
• If the characters feel real
• Whether the ending is worth the journey
• Who will love it (and who might not)

No fancy words or overhyped claims – just an honest take on a book about women who speak to the dead in foggy Victorian London.

Plot Summary

“And yet it wasn’t demons she was scared of tonight. It was the man across the table.”

The year is 1873, and Lenna Wickes has traveled to Paris with a mission. Her beloved younger sister Evie was murdered on All Hallows’ Eve, and Lenna is desperate to find the killer. Though skeptical of the supernatural, she becomes an understudy to Vaudeline D’Allaire, a famous medium who can summon the spirits of murder victims to identify their killers.

Vaudeline receives an urgent letter from London. Mr. Morley, the vice-president of the exclusive London Séance Society, requests her help solving the murder of the society’s president, Mr. Volckman. Strangely, Mr. Volckman was killed the same night as Evie. Lenna sees this as her chance to investigate her sister’s death, so she accompanies Vaudeline to London.

Upon arrival, they discover the London Séance Society isn’t what it seems. This men-only club has been conducting questionable séances, and Mr. Volckman had been investigating rumors of fraud before his death. As Lenna and Vaudeline dig deeper, they realize powerful men will go to extreme lengths to protect their secrets.

When Lenna learns that her sister had connections to the Society, she becomes convinced that the two murders are linked. Working with Vaudeline and the mysterious Mr. Morley, she must navigate the dangerous world of London’s elite while questioning who she can truly trust.

As more bodies appear and dark secrets come to light, Lenna and Vaudeline find themselves in mortal danger. They must use both science and spiritualism to uncover the truth before they become the next victims of a killer who moves between the worlds of the living and the dead.

What Kind of Book Is This?

• Historical mystery set in Victorian England
• Gothic thriller with supernatural elements
• Feminist take on the spiritualist movement
• Murder mystery with occult themes

It combines the atmosphere of a ghost story with the structure of a detective novel. The supernatural elements keep you guessing about what’s real and what isn’t.

What I Think About the Book?

“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.”

My Rating: 3.5/5 Stars

I found this book gripping in parts but uneven overall. The atmosphere hits you right away – you can almost feel the fog rolling in and hear the clip-clop of horses on cobblestone streets.

What I loved most:

• The strong female characters who challenge Victorian society
• The creepy séance scenes that gave me actual goosebumps
• The unexpected twists that kept me guessing

But it wasn’t perfect. The middle section dragged quite a bit, and some of the side characters felt flat. Still, the ending made up for any slow parts with reveals I never saw coming. The themes of grief, power, and belief in the unknown really made me think. How far would you go to contact someone you’ve lost?

What Critics and Readers Say?

Looking at Goodreads, the book has a 3.48 average rating with over 62,000 ratings and nearly 7,600 reviews.

• Reviewer Maureen praised it as “simply oozing with atmosphere. It’s eerie, full of suspense, with a little romance thrown in for good measure, not to mention some salacious propositions!”
• Ceecee called it “a compelling Gothic tale. It gives you the chills and goosebumps as discoveries are made and sinister revelations unmask cheats and liars.”
• However, others were more critical. Rosh noted, “The book starts off well, but soon becomes too repetitive. It almost drags in between, causing me to feel bored. Thankfully, the final third picks up the pace once again.”
• Rachel Hanes was particularly disappointed, stating, “I think the title of this book should be changed to ‘The London Seducers Society’. I’ve literally had enough, and I am so glad that I finally finished this book.”
• As Nilufer Ozmekik put it: “While the story starts off at a slow burn, I found myself captivated by the eccentric characters and the captivating world of spiritualists. The final quarter of the book is undeniably brilliant, with mind-spinning twists and a rapid pace.”

What Other Writers Say About It?

• “A spine-tingling exploration of grief wrapped in a gothic mystery”
• “Combines historical accuracy with heart-pounding suspense”
• “A fresh voice in historical fiction with a supernatural twist”
• “Sarah Penner has done it again in this Victorian tale of trickery, revenge and skulduggery. The author wonderfully captures the Victorian enthusiasm for séances in this atmospheric story.”
• “In a nutshell: Great concept, average execution. Entertaining if you can keep your logic aside.”

Who Should Read The London Séance Society?

You’ll probably enjoy this book if you:

• Like historical mysteries with supernatural elements
• Enjoy strong female characters fighting against societal norms
• Are fascinated by the Victorian spiritualist movement
• Don’t mind a bit of creepiness in your reading

Skip this one if you:

• Want a pure historical fiction without supernatural elements
• Prefer fast-paced action throughout
• Are you looking for a light, uplifting read

Books Like The London Séance Society

• Weyward by Emilia Hart – A highly rated recent release with supernatural elements that Goodreads readers who enjoyed this book also liked.
• Starling House by Alix E. Harrow – Another popular book among fans of “The London Séance Society” that blends historical elements with the supernatural.
• The Last Heir to Blackwood Library by Hester Fox – A gothic historical novel with similar atmospheric qualities.
• How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix – For those who enjoyed the supernatural elements and want something with a modern twist.

More Books by This Author

Sarah Penner is a New York Times and internationally bestselling author whose debut novel, The Lost Apothecary, has sold over one million copies worldwide.

Before becoming a full-time writer, she spent thirteen years in corporate finance. According to her Goodreads profile, she enjoys hiking, yoga, and cooking in her free time and sits on the Board of Directors at her local animal shelter.

• The Lost Apothecary – Her debut novel is about a secret apothecary shop in 18th-century London that caters to women who need poisons to use against abusive men. This bestseller has sold over one million copies worldwide.
• The Witching Tide – A historical novel set against the backdrop of the 17th-century witch trials.
• The Amalfi Curse – An anticipated novel that continues her exploration of historical settings with female protagonists.

Conclusion

“The London Séance Society” isn’t just another ghost story. It’s a journey into a time when people desperately wanted to believe in something beyond death.

What makes this book stand out is how it blends history with mystery. Penner has done her homework on Victorian spiritualism, and it shows. The fog-filled streets and candlelit séance rooms feel real enough to touch.

While the middle section drags a bit, the beginning and ending more than make up for it with twists I never saw coming.

This book stayed with me for days after I finished it. I found myself thinking about Lenna and Vaudeline, wondering what I would do in their shoes.

If you’re looking for a historical mystery with supernatural elements and strong women fighting against Victorian constraints, pick up this book. Just maybe leave the lights on while you read.