Book Club Recap: The London Séance Society – Sarah Penner
Be aware: spoilers ahead!
Our book club recently gathered to dive into The London Séance Society by Sarah Penner, and it did not disappoint. Penner is also the author of The Lost Apothecary; she brings her signature blend of rich historical detail and intrigue into a whodunit. This was one of those books that’s easy to sink into, with a pace that kept us turning the pages and characters who lingered in our minds long after we closed the cover.
Set in Victorian London, the novel weaves together a tapestry of grief, deception, belief, and the unknown. It’s a time and place where science and the supernatural clash — and sometimes, intertwine — in fascinating ways.
Character Breakdown
Lenna Wick
The central figure in our story, Lenna begins as a staunch believer in science. She’s logical, methodical, and firmly rooted in the idea that everything has a rational explanation. That certainty begins to crack after the untimely death of her younger sister, Evie. Drawn reluctantly into the world of séances and spiritualism, Lenna becomes the apprentice of Vaudeline D’Allaire, a renowned medium. She evolves from skeptic to participant, her journey serving as the emotional backbone of the novel.
Vaudeline D’Allaire
A celebrated medium known for her ability to connect with murder victims and uncover their killers. Vaudeline is a mentor, guide, and in many ways, a mirror for Lenna — both women are navigating male-dominated spaces while holding their own secrets. Vaudeline’s calm authority and commitment to her craft make her a captivating presence on the page.
Mr. Morley
The Vice President of the London Séance Society, Mr. Morley enlists Vaudeline’s help to solve the murder of the society’s president, Mr. Wolckman. His motives, however, are layered and become more complex as the story unfolds.
The Murder Victims
Evie Wick
Lenna’s younger sister, a talented medium and former apprentice of Vaudeline. Her sudden death on All Hallows’ Eve becomes Lenna’s driving force. Was it an accident, a crime, or something more sinister?
Mr. Wolckman
The late president of the London Séance Society, whose murder sets the society’s internal intrigue into motion. His death is initially the main focus for Mr. Morley’s investigation, but as the truth emerges, it’s clear that not all is as it seems.
Main Plot & Structure
The story alternates between the perspectives of Lenna and Mr. Morley, giving us a dual narrative that slowly closes in on the truth. Lenna’s chapters are steeped in the emotional journey of loss and discovery, while Morley’s provide a behind-the-scenes view of the society’s politics, power plays, and secrets.
The séances themselves are some of the most memorable scenes in the novel. Penner describes them with such sensory detail that it almost feels like a guided meditation — the soft hum of a voice, the delicate brush of candlelight, the tension of waiting for a connection from the other side. Whether or not you believe in spirits, the rituals become a powerful tool for exploring grief and the need for closure.
Themes & Takeaways
One of the most compelling aspects of the book is how it highlights the role of women in Victorian society — particularly those who found agency in spiritualism. While much of the era was restrictive for women, mediums held an unusual position of authority. They could speak, guide, and even influence men in ways that were socially unacceptable in other contexts.
The novel also invites readers to wrestle with the tension between belief and skepticism. For some, séances were a means to communicate with the dead; for others, they were elaborate performances meant to comfort the living. In either case, the emotional impact was real.
Our Book Club’s Thoughts
Atmosphere: Penner paints a vivid picture of Victorian London — foggy streets, gaslit rooms, and the eerie quiet of séance chambers.
Plot Twists: The mystery builds at a steady pace, with reveals that feel earned rather than forced.
Character Arcs: Lenna’s transformation from skeptic to believer is believable and satisfying.
Social Commentary: The exploration of women’s autonomy and the fine line between empowerment and exploitation added depth.
Final Opinion
We found The London Séance Society to be a well-written, engaging blend of historical fiction and mystery. The pacing keeps the story moving forward, and the ending is both satisfying and logical — no sudden, out-of-nowhere twists. It’s a book that leaves you thinking about the ways people seek meaning, the comfort of rituals, and how far we’re willing to go to find the truth.
If you enjoy atmospheric mysteries with strong female leads, layered secrets, and a touch of the supernatural, this is one to add to your reading list.
Book Club Discussion Questions
Belief vs. Skepticism
Lenna begins the story as a firm believer in science and ends up participating in séances.
Did you find her transformation believable?
What do you think ultimately changed her mind?
Grief as a Motivator
How did grief drive the actions of the main characters?
Do you think the desire for closure can sometimes cloud judgment?
Vaudeline’s Role
Did you view Vaudeline as a purely altruistic mentor, or did she have her own agenda?
How do you think her relationship with Lenna changed over the course of the novel?
Dual Narratives
The story alternates between Lenna and Mr. Morley’s perspectives.
Did you find one perspective more compelling?
How did the alternating viewpoints affect your understanding of the plot?
Power and Gender in Victorian London
Mediums had a rare form of influence in a male-dominated society.
Do you think this power was genuine, or was it limited by societal constraints?
How does this compare to women’s roles today?
The Séance Scenes
Which séance scene stood out to you the most, and why?
Did you find them eerie, comforting, or theatrical?
Trust and Deception
Many characters keep secrets or manipulate others in the book.
Who do you think was the most untrustworthy character, and why?
Did your opinion of any character change as you read?
The Ending
Without giving too much away to new readers, how did you feel about the resolution?
Was justice served?
Historical Context
How well do you think Sarah Penner captured the atmosphere of Victorian London?
Were there any details that particularly immersed you in the setting?
Personal Reflection
If séances were still a common practice today, would you attend one for closure or curiosity?
Do you believe in the possibility of communicating with the dead?
