I don't usually read historical novels, but The Spiritualist was so wonderfully written it was a book to be savored. As a newcomer to New York society in the late 1800s Evie has few friends and a lonely marriage. The unexpected murder of her husband all but displaces Evie from her own life when she is named the prime suspect. She then must enter the world of spiritualism and Michel Jourdain - medium or charlatan?Megan Chance did a great job of first telling a compelling story and then carefully weaving in rich historical details. A real 5 Star read! I loved it. In the end, I was disappointed in this book. I was excited about it early on and spent every available moment reading it but by around the middle, it kind of lost its power. At that point, I kept reading because it wasn't so bad that I wanted to give up on it but rather I wanted to just get the reading of it over so that I could go on to something I might like more. The main character, Evelyn Atherton (Evie to her friends) was a middle class young woman, the only child of an investigator and a woman who saw spirits who wound up in New York's high society when she married Peter Atherton. After only three years, it was clear her husband wasn't attracted to her but she was trying hard to make her marraige work even though he spent as little time with her as possible. He had been going alone to a spiritualist circle but one fateful day he asked Evie to accompany him. She had no interest in such things, especially since she felt the whole idea of spirits speaking had driven her mother mad. However, she agreed to go since it was one of those rare occasions when her husband had chosen to spend time with her. It was at that spirit circle, held at the mansion of Dorothy Bennett, that she first met the spiritualist, Michel Jourdain. She immediately saw him for the charlaton he was but also saw how in thrall the others were, including her husband who was desperate to reach his recently departed mother. When Evie and Peter returned to their mansion, Peter insisted on going back out, which disappointed Evie greatly. It turned out to be a fateful night because that was the night Peter was murdered. In short time, Evie was accused, Peter's family were determined to destroy her, and those whom she's counted on as friends had turned against her. Two things then went in her favor, Peter's law partner, Benjamin took on her case and Dorothy Bennett made bail for Evie, which allowed her to be released from prison. Shortly thereafter, Evie was living in the Bennett mansion and getting to know Michel Jourdain. It was during this pre-trial period that I began to lose interest in Evie and not particularly care whether she was exonerated. This supposedly intelligent woman began to fall for Michel while clearly suspecting him of murdering Peter. I do like books with women lead characters but I want those women to be strong, resourceful, and independent. On that score, this book really did not adequately deliver for me. I would give no more than a luke warm recommendation for this book.
What do You think about O Espirita (2008)?
I like this book,really like this subject.A little easy to guess the end but a fun read!
—kimmy
It was ok...good I suppose, but almost the same as 'An inconvenient Wife'....
—Anna
I didn't appreciate the amount of sex in the book. It was really unnecessary
—thelams
A gripping suspense story! Well written.
—maudthecat
