Vera, the Medium

by Richard Harding Davis

This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery.

Genres: Classics

79 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1908

About the author

Richard Harding Davis (1864–1916) was a journalist and writer of fiction and drama, known foremost as the first American war correspondent to cover the Spanish-American War, the Second Boer War, and the First World War. His writing greatly assisted the political career of Theodore Roosevelt and he also played a major role in the evolution of the American magazine. His influence extended to the world of fashion and he is credited with making the clean-shaven look popular among men at the turn of the 20th century.

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

CLASSIC Dick Davis from first page to last!!

Don't be fooled by the title: this book is NOT about the occult. Rather, it is all about exposing the spiritualist movement as a hoax... exactly as one would expect Richard the Lion-Harding Davis to do. :-) The titular character is an orphaned young woman who, through some rather tragic life circumstances, has come to believe that performing as an alleged "medium" is the only career left open to her. She wants out, wants a different, normal life... but every time she tries, her past comes back to haunt her (pun intended!). That is, until she is befriended by a handsome young District Attorney.... :-)

This story has all the hallmarks of RHD's crusader personality and writing style. He drops the reader right into the action from page one, and as usual, the end comes much too soon and leaves you begging for more.

There are some graphic details in this story, including explicit references to drug abuse, gambling, and the production of a seance at the end, but it almost all has a direct bearing on the story and is not gratuitous. On the contrary, it is all intricately relevant to show not just the dark, seedy side of life that the D.A. is up against daily, but also Vera's true, honest character. It is also all necessary to expose the deceit perpetuated by the spiritualists, as well as by those in the story whom society smiles upon favorably, but who in fact are the real criminals.

A great, fast, engaging read that I wholeheartedly recommend!!

[Caroline Mertz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found it at a farmers market. It was a purple hardcover for like fifty cents. Super fun quick read. The drama! The lies! It had me in a tizzy.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed it from beginning to end, but it wasn't a new favorite. It was a light read with good characters. Not super complicated. It made a great vacation book. Misleading title! This is not a supernatural story.

[Michelle Hoogterp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Light, easy, fun read.

[Rick · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book of its time but fun