Having read The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins for our mystery book group last month, I was in the mood for more gothic/Victorian suspense. Reviews I've read compare The Seance to The Woman in White and other "sensational" novels. This is one of those books that regular customers ask me if I've read and then say "you have to read it!"
I grew up reading Victoria Holt, Norah Lofts, Barbara Michaels, Phyllis A. Whitney, Mary Stewart, Jane Aiken Hodge, and Isabelle Holland's "gothic" romances. I loved the remote settings, the air of dread and the touch of romance.
The Seance is like that, but exceptionally well written, and the suspense level is considerably higher than in the old gothics. Crumbling Wraxford Hall with its secret passages, lightning rods, and ornamental coffin is one of the scariest places I've encountered in ages.
The motives of the villain and the delicate mental state of the narrators make it hard to guess what is really going on, and if there are supernatural events taking place or not.
You should read The Thirteenth Tale if you haven't already. Another great modern gothic.
ReplyDeleteI <3 Mary Stewart. And I will be sure to add this to my reading list.
I was listening to the book on cd of the Thirteenth Tale and reached a damaged cd so did not finish it. I need to go back to read the actual book so no technicalities can interrupt.
ReplyDeleteAlso on the list for this type of book is Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norell, which I know you liked a great deal.
Still slowly working on Drood by Dan Simmons as well. (Have my own copy)
I need my own copies of this tome sized stuff so I can read it without the date due clock ticking.