The Other Side of Mrs. Wood: A Novel [Paperback]

For fans ofThe Lost Apothecaryor theMermaid and Mrs Hancock, a deliciously atmospheric historical novel about the rivalry between two female mediums during Victorian London’s obsession with Spiritualism.

Mrs. Violet Wood is London’s premier medium, a woman of supreme ambition whose unique abilities have earned her the admiration and trust of London’s elite. Mrs. Wood is indeed a clever and gifted seer—her skill is unmatched in predictingexactlywhat her wealthy patrons want to hear from the beyond.

But times are changing. First, a nosey newspaperman has begun working to expose false mediums across London. Many of Mrs. Wood’s friends—and, yes, some of her foes—have fallen to his merciless accusations. Worse yet, though Mrs. Wood’s monthly séance tables are still packed, she’s noticed that it’s been harder to snare coveted new patrons. There are rumors from America of mediums materializing full spirits. . . . How long will her audiences be content with quivering tables and candle theatrics?

Then, at one of Mrs Wood’s routine gatherings, she hears that most horrifying of sounds—a yawn. When a sweet girl with an uncanny talent for the craft turns up at her door, Mrs. Wood decides that a protégé will be just the thing to spice up her brand. But is Emmie Finch indeed the naïve ingenue she appears? Or has Mrs. Wood’s own downfall come knocking at last?

Oh, I loved this book! Did I ever think I’d identify with a Victorian-era medium’s troubles? No! But then cameThe Other Side of Mrs. Wood,a delicious insider tale that charmed me with its wit, its loyalties and its betrayals. Brava, Lucy Barker. Thank you for this intriguing and so very smart journey back to London’s medium madness. -Elinor Lipman, author of Ms. Demeanor

“In Barker’s