The Other Side of Mrs Wood: The most irresistible historical fiction debut of the year

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Notting Hill, 1873 — Spiritualism is all the rage, and Mrs. Wood is London’s premiere spiritualist. Her talents have attracted the ton’s wealthiest and most influential. That is, until recently. With talk of full-body apparitions being materialized across the pond, Mrs. Wood is under pressure to step it up. Mrs. Violet Wood is London’s premier medium, a woman of supreme ambition whose and 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 predicting exactly what her wealthy patrons want to hear from the beyond. But times are changing.

What an immensely clever, hugely enjoyable conjuring of Victorian high society - it's clearly so well researched.' Emma Hughes, author or No Such Thing As PerfectThink All About Eve, but set in the spellbinding world of Victorian mediums. Brilliantly witty.' Frances Quinn, author of That Bonesetter Woman - Lucy Barker said: ‘I am so excited to be joining 4th Estate and HarperCollins. From our first meetings, it was clear that Katie and Millicent just ‘got’ Mrs Wood and I’m overwhelmed and honoured to have my debut in the hands of such talented teams. Discovering the real-life scandal that inspired The Other Side of Mrs Wood was an absolute gift. I have long been fascinated by Victorian mediums and here was the opportunity to go behind the curtain where the most extraordinary things can – and do – happen, in the most relatable of circumstances. After so long living with Mrs Wood and Emmie, I cannot wait for people to uncover what these talented women get up to when the candles go out…’ I do truly adore the cover but that is where the adoration ends. This was a stifling yawn of a novel.

I was surprised by this book, it was not what I was expecting at all, as there were no actual ghosts, these women were masters of illusion, but I still really enjoyed it. I found it very entertaining, it was witty, I did have a few laughs, it was full of surprises and I always like a good revenge plot. I loved the ending of this, I’m hopeful there will be a follow on. Overall this was a really good debut novel and I would recommend it.😊 As Mrs. Wood mentors Miss Finch into the mediumship fold, the writing is on the wall. The characters are all very well-developed and have distinctive personalities and traits. The desperation of Mrs. Wood is aptly portrayed, and I found myself wanting to shake her on several occasions as she spiraled out of control. Seriously, I have to say that the setting and the research into this time period of fanciful ghost stories was absolutely spot on. Intriguing, witty and unique. A must read!” - Sophie Irwin, author of A Lady’s Guide to Fortune HuntingI would definitely read another one of this author's books, though, particularly since this was a debut. While I wanted deeper characterization and themes explored, and perhaps a touch more emphatic plotting as well, much of it was very well-written. I often tire of the inclusion of letters or articles in books, even though they are common in period literature from this time, but they were skillfully done here--motivation revealed with polite but barbed words, cloaked in flattery and social graces. It also feels appropriately steeped in Victorian manners, though the claims of "witty" and "atmospheric" aren't really the words I'd use to describe this. While Mrs Wood wouldn't go as far yet as to follow into the footsteps of the more showy and outrageous escapades of some of her American colleagues – she does freshen up her act by hiring a young protégé to spice things up. However, that's when her real problems begin...

A historical novel about the rivalry between two female mediums during Victorian London’s obsession with Spiritualism.People wanted to believe they could connect to their dead relatives and friends and those who could help them to do so were very well rewarded. Mrs Wood appears to have it made.

The answer to Mrs Wood’s problems arrives in the form of sixteen-year-old Emmie Finch, who wants nothing more than to become a medium. Impressed by the girl’s talent and enthusiasm, Mrs Wood agrees to take her on as an apprentice. Miss Finch is an instant hit with Mrs Wood’s friends and clients, but is she really the sweet, innocent young woman she appears to be or has Mrs Wood made a big mistake?

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After hearing a yawn at the end of one such event she starts to question her longevity and worries as to how she will maintain her social standing and livelihood. She is aware of a young girl often seen outside the venues she uses for her gatherings and, after meeting her, she decides to take her on and train her; believing that she has potential as a medium. I also loved how complex a lot of the swindling in the world of Victorian mediums was. Despite having the opportunity to look behind the curtain as a reader, the clever mechanics behind it all still lured me into a false sense of belief at times. That alone made for a great concept for a novel. A book begging to be read on the beach, with the sun warming the sand and salt in the air: pure escapism. Enter ingenue Emmie Finch, a waif from the streets with an uncanny ability to conjure spirits. Will she be Mrs. Wood’s answer to prayers or her downfall? This is the premise of The Other Side of Mrs. Wood by debut author Lucy Barker.