A Body at the Séance by Marty Wingate - Book Review

Series: London Ladies’ Murder Club #2 

Publication Date: 11th Jan 2024

Genre: Historical Cozy Mystery 

3.8 Stars 

One Liner: A good mystery but slow 

November 1921

Mabel is working with the Useful Women’s Agency, hoping for a better case than finding missing dogs. However, she didn’t expect to end up on a crime scene when attending the séance with Mrs. Plomley to communicate with the woman’s dead husband. What’s more, how did Mr. Stamford Plomley die at the séance when he was supposed to have perished almost a year ago? 

Mabel is hired to investigate the previous non-death, though the lines blur soon. Who is Madame Pushkana? Is she a gifted medium being targeted by someone who hates her, or is she a con artist and a murderer? Can Mabel solve the case? 

The story comes in Mabel’s third-person POV. 

My Thoughts: 

After enjoying book one a few days ago, I was eager to read this and see how Mabel proved her worth as a private investigator. 

As with the previous one, the book starts with Mabel knocking on the door and introducing herself at her job site. That way, we get into action almost right away. 

The mystery is rather interesting and has enough suspects to track. Though it takes a while, there are enough clues to figure out the killer. I guessed right despite the red herrings, and the process is logical. Mabel is still an amateur sleuth, so she is bound to miss a few things. 

We meet the recurring characters again (Cora, Skeff, Park, Inspector Tollerton, Miss Kerr, etc.) and some new ones. Augustus also makes an appearance, much to my delight. Like Mabel, I also have a soft spot for that kid. Gladys, the part-terrier (Park’s dog), is proving to be a lifesaver! 

There’s a touch of paranormal, given the premise. It is well done and just enough to suit the plotline. I like how the whole thing is nicely balanced. 

The bits about séance and its working are interesting enough. However, I should give credit to The Other Side of Mrs. Wood for understanding the whole thing a lot more. 

There’s a wee bit of progress in the expected romance between Mabel and Park. Nothing major, so it doesn’t affect the mystery. 

Two things I like the most – 

Mabel’s comparison of handwriting with music is an intriguing concept. Those who know the music script (and like classical pieces) will enjoy this more. I don’t have the required knowledge, but I love the concept. 

The characters don’t just try to solve the crime. They also provide emotional support to those who require it. They step in to help strangers in need. Moreover, Mabel is good at marketing. She is always ready to recommend her fellow women to her clients based on their requirements. 

But… why is the book so slow? The first one had a steady pace despite introducing the characters and setting. I expected this to be along the same lines, but it is way slower and doesn’t seem inclined to move faster. 

To summarize, A Body at the Séance is a well-plotted and engaging mystery with some twists, laughs, puzzles, and loads of tea. Naturally, I am looking forward to the next book and will read it.  

Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the eARC.  

#NetGalley #ABodyAtTheSéance