London Seance Society Autographed by Sarah Penner

Experience the excitement of Sarah Penner’s latest thrilling mystery, The London Seance Society Autographed. In this captivating and enigmatic tale, acclaimed spiritualist Vaudeline D’Allaire is called upon to utilize her exceptional abilities in summoning spirits to unravel a high-profile murder. Accompanied by her apprentice, Lenna Wickes, Vaudeline embarks on a suspenseful and mesmerizing journey to uncover the truth behind the crime. With an enthralling cast of characters and an atmosphere that will keep you on the edge of your seat, The London Seance Society Autographed is guaranteed to captivate you from the very beginning.

This special edition of the novel is personally autographed by the author, adding a touch of magic to your reading experience. Don’t miss the opportunity to delve into this must-have mystery before it’s too late!

The Lost Apothecary and The London Seance Society: Exploring Women’s Power and Secrets

An apothecary, also known as a predecessor to modern pharmacists, played an important role in history. Instead of going to a pharmacy with a prescription, people would visit these shops filled with vials and potions. They would describe their ailments, and the apothecary would use their expertise to provide remedies.

For me, the inspiration to write a book about an apothecary came from two main sources. First, I noticed the rise in popularity of retail shops with the name Apothecary, particularly among women. The word seemed catchy, and I wanted to capture that trend in my writing. Additionally, I have always had a personal interest in activities related to an apothecary’s world, such as gardening, cooking, and herbal remedies. When embarking on a book-writing journey, it is important to choose a subject that you are passionate about.

I knew that my readership would be drawn to darker stories with higher stakes, so simply writing about an apothecary selling herbal tea would not be enough. I wanted to incorporate elements of secrecy, murder, and intrigue into the story, and the use of poison provided a perfect opportunity for that. It added an element of danger and drama that would captivate my readers.

The Lost Apothecary revolves around two main characters, Eliza and Nella. Eliza, a curious and determined 12-year-old, embarks on a journey with Nella, the apothecary. Nella, although initially portrayed as a murderer, reveals her complex motives throughout the story. Despite their age and social differences, the two women form a deep connection and learn from each other.

One of the plot devices I employed was the use of a register, where Nella recorded the names of her customers and what they purchased. This served two purposes. First, it was a way for Nella to ensure these women were not forgotten and their identities were recognized. Second, it created a threat to Nella’s safety if the register were to fall into the wrong hands, as it contained the secrets of many women in the city.

In addition to the historical narrative, there is a parallel timeline set in the present day, following Caroline’s story. Caroline, on her 10th wedding anniversary trip to London, finds herself on a path of self-discovery as she uncovers the truth about the apothecary. This storyline allows me to explore the impact that Nella and Eliza’s lives have on Caroline, despite them never meeting and living in different eras.

The success of The Lost Apothecary has been overwhelming. It has been translated into 40 languages, optioned by Fox, and became an instant New York Times bestseller. The London Sands Society, my second book, continues the theme of strong and capable women. Set in 1873, it follows Votaline, a renowned spiritualist known for her ability to communicate with murder victims. When she takes on Lena as her apprentice to solve a crime and sparks fly between them, the story takes an exciting turn.

Both of these books showcase the power and skill of women in different time periods and highlight the complexities of their characters. Writing these stories has been a fulfilling journey, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share them with readers around the world.