Set
in the early 1900s in London, this novel delves into the world
of spiritualists, séances, and the chicanery of claiming
to be able to communicate with those who have passed on.
Velvet is a young
orphan who is rescued from her position toiling in a laundry
and finds herself working instead for a famed psychic. Madame
Savoya invited the young girl into her home and Velvet is
introduced to the psychic world that provides Madame Savoya
with the income that pays for her lavish lifestyle.
When she’s
invited to participate in the medium’s séances,
Velvet realizes that she’s taking part in what amounts
to an elaborate fraud. With that knowledge comes certain danger,
for the girl now has information that can destroy her patroness’
existence.
Some surprising
plot twists, plus the central character’s infatuation
with one of the males in the story, make this an adventure
middle school aged and older girls will probably find riveting.
Be sure to read the author’s “My Inspiration…”
and “Some Historical Notes…” sections at
the story’s conclusion to learn more about the Victorian
period’s fascination with spiritualism.
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