The London Séance Society: A Novel

Content Warning: This section of the guide describes and discusses the sexism, misogynistic language, and attempted sexual assault that feature in the source text.

On February 13, 1873, Lenna, the assistant to a prominent medium, prepares for a séance in an abandoned chateau in Paris. The medium, Vaudeline D’Allaire, performs séances in order to help the families of people who died of violent crimes discover the truth behind their loved ones’ deaths. The séance is taking place in the chateau because Vaudeline must perform it where the person in question died. Lenna began studying with Vaudeline because her younger sister, Evie, also studied with the medium before her death a few weeks ago. Lenna does not believe in the occult, but she does want to uncover the circumstances of her sister’s death.

Vaudeline and Lenna are joined by the parents of a young woman who was killed in the chateau. Vaudeline explains the potential hazards of the séance circle; in the past, people have died, been wounded, or have even felt compelled to engage in sex while in the presence of spirits. She explains that she follows a specific set of steps to invite spirits into the room and ensure that they only interact with the desired subject.