What do you think?
Rate this book
The Blackheath Seance Parlour
In 1842, two sisters drunkenly debate their future, their family chocolate business has failed and so they decide to open a seance parlour. The locals are shocked but soon their shop is crammed with people wanting to contact the dead. Despite their change in fortune, a rift forms between the sisters, as young sister Judy gets her novel published, finds a man and proves to be more capable of contacting spirits than Maggie. Spurred on by jealousy, Maggie tries harder and soon even the Queen is consulting her. The Church decides they must be stopped by any means possible.
381 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
11 people are currently reading
388 people want to read
About the author
Alan Williams
63 books22 followersAlan Williams worked as a script editor for the BBC, working on Absolutely Fabulous, Birds of a Feather and Keeping up Appearances amongst others. He went on to edit Writers' Monthly and now publishes two influential films and television magazines. He lives in Blackheath, London, has won awards for his short stories, and includes dieting and chocolate éclairs as his hobbies.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
June 19, 2020
I saw a review that said this book was bonkers so I had to read it and it was bonkers! A refreshing change and I enjoyed it.
2020 Update - Am so pleased that this is going to be made into a TV series, i cant wait to see how this translates on screen!
2020 Update - Am so pleased that this is going to be made into a TV series, i cant wait to see how this translates on screen!
October 16, 2024
This is a beautifully insane love letter to the strange weirdness that was Victorian England. It’s all here; the love of the occult, the mad fashion, mechanical moon men, serialised fiction, crystal balls, life size chocolate gorillas, public viewings in insane asylums, sugar mice (are they still a thing?), tarot cards, tea leaf readings. AND THE BAT PEOPLE!!! Don’t forget the bat people.
I did have some issues with this book, mainly the start which is beyond confusing and I think it could have been laid out a little better. However, this was quite possibly the most fun I have ever had reading a book. I laughed out loud, I welled up and I nearly puked at one point, and for the reason alone, it's 5 stars. Also, completely and utterly BONKERS!!!!
I did have some issues with this book, mainly the start which is beyond confusing and I think it could have been laid out a little better. However, this was quite possibly the most fun I have ever had reading a book. I laughed out loud, I welled up and I nearly puked at one point, and for the reason alone, it's 5 stars. Also, completely and utterly BONKERS!!!!
May 23, 2016
I have just finished this incredible book by Alan Williams. I don't want to give anything away however I need to let you know this is my favourite book of the Autumn so far. There are so many words to describe it.... BONKERS, Brilliant, Weird, Wacky, Sad, Funny, Strange, Gruesome, Peculiar. But above all it is definitely DIFFERENT! I gave it 5 stars xx
December 22, 2017
Dark, very quirky, funny and brilliant - I was intrigued to read this when a friend described it as bonkers - it is!
I listened to this on audible and loved the narration, I'm still a bit awkward with audio books as I don't seem to concentrate as much as when actually reading, particularly as I listen only when dog walking, cooking etc, but this one really held my attention.
This is a really clever novel set in Victorian England with extremely quirky characters, lots of different back stories and the added bonus of a novel within a novel - thoroughly entertaining - a very different, funny, sad, spooky and wonderfully told story!
Highly recommended 4.5 - 5 stars
I listened to this on audible and loved the narration, I'm still a bit awkward with audio books as I don't seem to concentrate as much as when actually reading, particularly as I listen only when dog walking, cooking etc, but this one really held my attention.
This is a really clever novel set in Victorian England with extremely quirky characters, lots of different back stories and the added bonus of a novel within a novel - thoroughly entertaining - a very different, funny, sad, spooky and wonderfully told story!
Highly recommended 4.5 - 5 stars
November 2, 2013
Now is a strange concoction, but it is utterly perfect for this Halloween…
Imagine, if you will, two sisters living and working in a village not so very far from London. They both liked good food, strong drink and nights out, but their chocolate shop was never going to fund the lifestyle they wanted. In fact, they could barely make ends meet, and so they agreed that it was time for a change. Maggie, the leader of the pair, suggested that what Blackheath needed was a curtain shop, but Judy told her that as the chocolate shop had been Maggie’s idea it was her turn to make the decision, and she was going to open a séance parlour.
The sisters did not agree, but in the end Judy got her way; she recruited Mrs Nettie Walters, an ageing medium, she painted everything black, and the Blackheath Séance Parlour opened for business.
Their timing was not good – they opened for business on the day of the funeral of the most recent victim of a murderer who had been preying on women on the nearby heath – but after raising their eyebrows in disapproval curiosity got the better of the local population. They were impressed, and the news spread quickly and soon people were coming from far and wide, to have their tea leaves read, to discover what the crystal ball saw in their future, and to take part in séances. The Blackheath Séance Parlour became ridiculously successful. But success did not bring happiness. It brought new pressures, and the three women had different concerns, different hopes for the future, so soon jealousies, resentments and recriminations came to the surface.
Nettie came face to face with the past she hoped was gone and forgotten, Judy found a publisher for her gothic novel and found that it brought her more notoriety, and after a slow start Maggie found that the séance business rather suited her, only to be horribly tricked.
Take all of that, plus a novel within a novel – Judy’s wonderfully gruesome ‘penny dreadful’ – and you have a heck of a lot going on. But it works!
The characters lived and breathed, their world was quite perfectly realised, the atmosphere was so very dark and sinister, and there was always something that made me want to keep turning the pages. The story was played completely straight – there was no explaining away of the supernatural elements – it was lightened with well judged dashes of humour and wit, and it was told with such verve.
There were some magnificent set pieces, there was high drama, but ultimately this is a very human story that works because the relationships, characters and stories of the three women were so very well drawn, and so horribly believable. And because the story plays out exactly as it should, without ever becoming predictable.
I was a little disappointed there were moments when the story drifted a little, and that there were moments when things went a little over the top. Though I should say that I think that’s due to my sensitivities being a little more delicate than those of the author, and not because he has done anything wrong.
Those things made me pause, but I was never going to let go of this story. The mixture of the gothic and the historical, of mystery and horror, was unusual but it was very, very effective.
Imagine, if you will, two sisters living and working in a village not so very far from London. They both liked good food, strong drink and nights out, but their chocolate shop was never going to fund the lifestyle they wanted. In fact, they could barely make ends meet, and so they agreed that it was time for a change. Maggie, the leader of the pair, suggested that what Blackheath needed was a curtain shop, but Judy told her that as the chocolate shop had been Maggie’s idea it was her turn to make the decision, and she was going to open a séance parlour.
The sisters did not agree, but in the end Judy got her way; she recruited Mrs Nettie Walters, an ageing medium, she painted everything black, and the Blackheath Séance Parlour opened for business.
Their timing was not good – they opened for business on the day of the funeral of the most recent victim of a murderer who had been preying on women on the nearby heath – but after raising their eyebrows in disapproval curiosity got the better of the local population. They were impressed, and the news spread quickly and soon people were coming from far and wide, to have their tea leaves read, to discover what the crystal ball saw in their future, and to take part in séances. The Blackheath Séance Parlour became ridiculously successful. But success did not bring happiness. It brought new pressures, and the three women had different concerns, different hopes for the future, so soon jealousies, resentments and recriminations came to the surface.
Nettie came face to face with the past she hoped was gone and forgotten, Judy found a publisher for her gothic novel and found that it brought her more notoriety, and after a slow start Maggie found that the séance business rather suited her, only to be horribly tricked.
Take all of that, plus a novel within a novel – Judy’s wonderfully gruesome ‘penny dreadful’ – and you have a heck of a lot going on. But it works!
The characters lived and breathed, their world was quite perfectly realised, the atmosphere was so very dark and sinister, and there was always something that made me want to keep turning the pages. The story was played completely straight – there was no explaining away of the supernatural elements – it was lightened with well judged dashes of humour and wit, and it was told with such verve.
There were some magnificent set pieces, there was high drama, but ultimately this is a very human story that works because the relationships, characters and stories of the three women were so very well drawn, and so horribly believable. And because the story plays out exactly as it should, without ever becoming predictable.
I was a little disappointed there were moments when the story drifted a little, and that there were moments when things went a little over the top. Though I should say that I think that’s due to my sensitivities being a little more delicate than those of the author, and not because he has done anything wrong.
Those things made me pause, but I was never going to let go of this story. The mixture of the gothic and the historical, of mystery and horror, was unusual but it was very, very effective.
February 10, 2014
In 1842 two sisters are running a failing chocolate shop in Blackheath on the outskirts of London. Younger sister Judy persuades a reluctant Maggie that re-opening the shop as a seance parlour would bring in good business. Established medium Netta is recruited to teach the sisters the "trade". Meanwhile Judy is also writing a novel.
This book has excellent reviews on Amazon and I was expecting great things. As it turned out I was a bit disappointed, mainly because I thought that the writing and characterisation were too modern for the 1840s. A good idea for a book though.
I liked Netta's back story and also enjoyed the vicar's run-ins with Maggie. I didn't particularly like either sister. Judy's novel was quite gothic but too expicit for Victorian times, I think.The visit to Bethlehem Hospital towards the end of the book gave a much better sense of the time period than earlier chapters.
This book has excellent reviews on Amazon and I was expecting great things. As it turned out I was a bit disappointed, mainly because I thought that the writing and characterisation were too modern for the 1840s. A good idea for a book though.
I liked Netta's back story and also enjoyed the vicar's run-ins with Maggie. I didn't particularly like either sister. Judy's novel was quite gothic but too expicit for Victorian times, I think.The visit to Bethlehem Hospital towards the end of the book gave a much better sense of the time period than earlier chapters.
November 13, 2020
This was highly recommended to me and in turn I'm going to highly recommend to everyone reading this. It's a great book with a great premise. The characters are worth investing in and best of all, you have no idea where the plot is going (at least, I didn't). So grab an eclair and start reading as soon as possible.
January 13, 2015
The Blackheath Séance Parlour by Alan Williams is a thrilling Gothic novel that is quite fascinating. Set in the 1800s, this exciting story combines supernatural elements with an intriguing mystery, the tiniest hint of romance and a riveting novel within a novel. The resulting tale is richly atmospheric and quite compelling.
Maggie and Judy Cloak are sisters who open a séance parlour after their chocolate business fails. Oldest sister Maggie is very reluctant to agree to Judy's plan to open the parlour but Judy gives her no choice but to go along with the plan. Judy recruits medium Netta Walters to conduct séances and Netta insists the sisters learn to read tealeaves, tarot cards and the crystal ball. In the midst of their preparations, Judy feverishly pens her Gothic novel and the town of Blackheath is paralyzed in fear by a murderer preying on young women.
Maggie is strong willed, stubborn and very reluctant to make any changes in her life. She is skeptical of Judy's plan and she is also very fearful of becoming involved with contacting spirits. Maggie is impatient and although she is quite skilled at reading tea leaves, she is quite discouraged by her inability to learn how to use the crystal ball. Growing more frustrated and disenchanted as Judy's and Netta's popularity increases, Maggie becomes almost manic as she tries to perfect her psychic abilities. In a stunning turn of events, Maggie is soon in high demand when she is able to channel spirits.
Judy is the more likable of the two sisters and she is genuinely thrilled by not only her success but Maggie's as well. Her Gothic novel consumes her and she is ecstatic when it is published first as a serial in the newspaper and later as a novel. She eventually becomes quite concerned about Maggie's obsession with their long missing father but Maggie's jealousy over Judy's success drives a wedge between them. Judy's loyalty to her sister leaves her future happiness in jeopardy when she is forced to choose between the man she loves and Maggie.
Netta is a wonderful character and her backstory is quite interesting. Her abilities as a psychic began early in her life and took her down a very unexpected path. She jumps at the chance for a more secure future, but she is annoyed by the sisters' lack of commitment to their enterprise. However, she is delighted by Judy's natural talent for the crystal ball and although she becomes exasperated by Maggie's impatience, she does continue to try to help her focus on honing her skills. Netta is also haunted by her past and when she comes to face with it, she is shocked by what she discovers.
Alan Williams immediately sets the tone for The Blackheath Séance Parlour and while it is a little slow paced in the beginning, by the middle of the novel, it is impossible to put down. At first, the two different storylines make the story a little disjointed and confusing, but it soon becomes easy to keep the two story arcs straight. Both stories are very riveting and the cliffhanger endings of some of the chapters definitely build anticipation for upcoming events and revelations. All in all, The Blackheath Séance Parlour is an absolutely unique and delightful read that fans of Gothic novels are going to love!
Maggie and Judy Cloak are sisters who open a séance parlour after their chocolate business fails. Oldest sister Maggie is very reluctant to agree to Judy's plan to open the parlour but Judy gives her no choice but to go along with the plan. Judy recruits medium Netta Walters to conduct séances and Netta insists the sisters learn to read tealeaves, tarot cards and the crystal ball. In the midst of their preparations, Judy feverishly pens her Gothic novel and the town of Blackheath is paralyzed in fear by a murderer preying on young women.
Maggie is strong willed, stubborn and very reluctant to make any changes in her life. She is skeptical of Judy's plan and she is also very fearful of becoming involved with contacting spirits. Maggie is impatient and although she is quite skilled at reading tea leaves, she is quite discouraged by her inability to learn how to use the crystal ball. Growing more frustrated and disenchanted as Judy's and Netta's popularity increases, Maggie becomes almost manic as she tries to perfect her psychic abilities. In a stunning turn of events, Maggie is soon in high demand when she is able to channel spirits.
Judy is the more likable of the two sisters and she is genuinely thrilled by not only her success but Maggie's as well. Her Gothic novel consumes her and she is ecstatic when it is published first as a serial in the newspaper and later as a novel. She eventually becomes quite concerned about Maggie's obsession with their long missing father but Maggie's jealousy over Judy's success drives a wedge between them. Judy's loyalty to her sister leaves her future happiness in jeopardy when she is forced to choose between the man she loves and Maggie.
Netta is a wonderful character and her backstory is quite interesting. Her abilities as a psychic began early in her life and took her down a very unexpected path. She jumps at the chance for a more secure future, but she is annoyed by the sisters' lack of commitment to their enterprise. However, she is delighted by Judy's natural talent for the crystal ball and although she becomes exasperated by Maggie's impatience, she does continue to try to help her focus on honing her skills. Netta is also haunted by her past and when she comes to face with it, she is shocked by what she discovers.
Alan Williams immediately sets the tone for The Blackheath Séance Parlour and while it is a little slow paced in the beginning, by the middle of the novel, it is impossible to put down. At first, the two different storylines make the story a little disjointed and confusing, but it soon becomes easy to keep the two story arcs straight. Both stories are very riveting and the cliffhanger endings of some of the chapters definitely build anticipation for upcoming events and revelations. All in all, The Blackheath Séance Parlour is an absolutely unique and delightful read that fans of Gothic novels are going to love!
January 26, 2014
A wonderfully rich historical paranormal mystery filled with Spinechilling tension and incredible imaginative ideas
This supremely spooky, chilling tale set within the 1800’s has an ambience of Philip Pullman’s Sally Lockhart mysteries with a peculiar paranormal twist that is refreshingly original. Deliciously dark and addictive, I was drawn into this magnetic story unable to tear my eyes away from the pages… The Blackheath Séance Parlour is about two sisters who transform an old chocolate shop into a mysterious den wherein the spirits of the departed are brought back to life! Set within a time of Witchcraft and ancient rituals, tealeaf reading, mediums and superstitious beliefs this illuminating delve into the past is utterly fascinating and expertly realized. Alan Williams’s fluid writing style that contains exquisite details and beautiful descriptive passages is breathtaking, for he vividly captures the setting and atmosphere perfectly. I felt drawn into this convincing novel that felt so realistic and credible, all due to the combination of extensive research, accurate details and remarkable creative vision that allowed my imagination to take over.
If you delight in dark, spooky tales of times gone by and equally enjoy both paranormal/ supernatural stories within a lavish historical backdrop then this is definitely a book for you! I love the Victorian era; the elegance and decadence as well as their fascination with Vampires, black magic, ghosts and death - - reminding me of Sherlock Holmes cases’ and foggy graveyards! The author bleeds out his soul into this story which is so dramatically impacting, intensely chilling and unnerving that it remains with you long afterwards lingering within the mind. Behind a quaint shop’s exterior lies such darkness and mystery within just waiting to transport you to the most eerie, ethereal places {reminiscent of ‘The Woman in Black’}.
I am so impressed by this phenomenal story that I won through a Goodreads, first-read book giveaway.
This supremely spooky, chilling tale set within the 1800’s has an ambience of Philip Pullman’s Sally Lockhart mysteries with a peculiar paranormal twist that is refreshingly original. Deliciously dark and addictive, I was drawn into this magnetic story unable to tear my eyes away from the pages… The Blackheath Séance Parlour is about two sisters who transform an old chocolate shop into a mysterious den wherein the spirits of the departed are brought back to life! Set within a time of Witchcraft and ancient rituals, tealeaf reading, mediums and superstitious beliefs this illuminating delve into the past is utterly fascinating and expertly realized. Alan Williams’s fluid writing style that contains exquisite details and beautiful descriptive passages is breathtaking, for he vividly captures the setting and atmosphere perfectly. I felt drawn into this convincing novel that felt so realistic and credible, all due to the combination of extensive research, accurate details and remarkable creative vision that allowed my imagination to take over.
If you delight in dark, spooky tales of times gone by and equally enjoy both paranormal/ supernatural stories within a lavish historical backdrop then this is definitely a book for you! I love the Victorian era; the elegance and decadence as well as their fascination with Vampires, black magic, ghosts and death - - reminding me of Sherlock Holmes cases’ and foggy graveyards! The author bleeds out his soul into this story which is so dramatically impacting, intensely chilling and unnerving that it remains with you long afterwards lingering within the mind. Behind a quaint shop’s exterior lies such darkness and mystery within just waiting to transport you to the most eerie, ethereal places {reminiscent of ‘The Woman in Black’}.
I am so impressed by this phenomenal story that I won through a Goodreads, first-read book giveaway.
January 30, 2014
Judy and Maggie Cloak own a shop in Blackheath which has been passed down through generations of their family. This time it’s a chocolate shop, but they’re losing money hand over fist. Meanwhile, there is a murderer loose on the moors of Blackheath and spiritualism is on the rise. Judy finds Netta Walters; a medium with her own checkered past, and talks Maggie into changing the chocolate shop into a séance parlor. With Netta as the medium and Judy reading tarot, Maggie is stuck reading tea leaves. Yet her irrational and insatiable jealousy pushes Maggie to develop her skills and surpass them both. Judy is having a wonderful time – the shop is generating money, she finds a wonderful man, and even publishes a serial novel – as Maggie spirals further into madness. Will Maggie’s fervor allow her to recant her abilities publicly or will she end up locked away in a mental ward forever?
THE BLACKHEATH SÉANCE PARLOUR is a fascinating story within a story. We get Maggie & Judy’s ongoing everyday life interspersed with chapters from Judy’s serial gothic novel. I was intrigued by the dichotomy of the sisters – Judy is more lighthearted and optimistic while Maggie is sour and fueled by jealous hatred of her sister. I loved the detail in the author’s descriptions of the people and Blackheath itself, it really made the story come to life. You could almost feel the staticky heaviness of the lightning during the storms over the moor. I found myself feeling sorry for Judy and Maggie, both. Judy for having a sister who hated her so much and Maggie for letting something small fester until it grew to astounding proportions. THE BLACKHEATH SÉANCE PARLOUR will entice lovers of gothic tales into its sticky web.
THE BLACKHEATH SÉANCE PARLOUR is a fascinating story within a story. We get Maggie & Judy’s ongoing everyday life interspersed with chapters from Judy’s serial gothic novel. I was intrigued by the dichotomy of the sisters – Judy is more lighthearted and optimistic while Maggie is sour and fueled by jealous hatred of her sister. I loved the detail in the author’s descriptions of the people and Blackheath itself, it really made the story come to life. You could almost feel the staticky heaviness of the lightning during the storms over the moor. I found myself feeling sorry for Judy and Maggie, both. Judy for having a sister who hated her so much and Maggie for letting something small fester until it grew to astounding proportions. THE BLACKHEATH SÉANCE PARLOUR will entice lovers of gothic tales into its sticky web.
March 22, 2014
If you want something different, and if your usual book of choice is not gothic horror, you should give this a try.
We read the book in our book-group, and the author is the cousin of one of our group (he is not the Alan Williams, born 1935, described in the author profile I looked at on the site today).
The style and setting reminded me a little of Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell by Susannah Clark, or some of Neil Gaiman's fantasy-writing. The setting is in the 1840s, in Blackheath, London, when it was still a village on a wind-swept heath. There is a very fantastical story-within-a-story in a Gothic horror style written by one of the characters, also partially set in Blackheath.
I initially gave the book three stars (upgraded to four once I re-read my own review!) because, although I enjoyed it enough to want to read right to the end and find out how the story resolved for the characters, I found some of the writing a bit dis-jointed, particularly near the beginning. I found the writing style made me think the setting was more contemporary than I knew it was meant to be. It was also a little confusing to have two separate story-lines written with the same location as their setting - try it, you'll see what I mean. Part of that is probably a deliberate device on the part of the author. There is, however, a good dollop of humour in the writing, and this book does not try to tug on the heart-strings (refreshing) but is full of gruesome and hilarious descriptions of Frankenstein-like operations and unusual bedroom liaisons!
The author's next book is apparently not going to be a sequel, but at least one of our number at book-group was dying to find out more about everyone. See what YOU think.
We read the book in our book-group, and the author is the cousin of one of our group (he is not the Alan Williams, born 1935, described in the author profile I looked at on the site today).
The style and setting reminded me a little of Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell by Susannah Clark, or some of Neil Gaiman's fantasy-writing. The setting is in the 1840s, in Blackheath, London, when it was still a village on a wind-swept heath. There is a very fantastical story-within-a-story in a Gothic horror style written by one of the characters, also partially set in Blackheath.
I initially gave the book three stars (upgraded to four once I re-read my own review!) because, although I enjoyed it enough to want to read right to the end and find out how the story resolved for the characters, I found some of the writing a bit dis-jointed, particularly near the beginning. I found the writing style made me think the setting was more contemporary than I knew it was meant to be. It was also a little confusing to have two separate story-lines written with the same location as their setting - try it, you'll see what I mean. Part of that is probably a deliberate device on the part of the author. There is, however, a good dollop of humour in the writing, and this book does not try to tug on the heart-strings (refreshing) but is full of gruesome and hilarious descriptions of Frankenstein-like operations and unusual bedroom liaisons!
The author's next book is apparently not going to be a sequel, but at least one of our number at book-group was dying to find out more about everyone. See what YOU think.
January 26, 2015
I thought this would be my sort of book but in the end I was quite disappointed with it. Two sisters run a sweet shop in Victorian Blackheath but business is not doing well and a lot of the time they are hungry and cold. Both drink to escape their problems and Judy, the younger of the two is writing a novel. Excerpts from this novel are interspersed with the events of their current story. A murderer is preying on young women crossing the Heath at night and everyone is scared to go out at night.
The sisters finally agree to start a new venture in conjunction with a psychic - Netta Walters. Maggie, the older sister is not at all keen on the idea but finally agrees to starting The Blackheath Séance Parlour. It is an almost immediate success and when Judy's novel is accepted for publication it seems as though things are looking up for all three of the women.
The characters are well drawn and the atmosphere of Victorian Blackheath is well done but I found some of the novel really gruesome and found myself skipping some of the novel within a novel. It is definitely not for the squeamish. The problem I felt was that much of the horrific violence could have been excluded without affecting the story. It seemed to me that it was included with the intention of shocking the reader and it just spoiled the book for me. Others may enjoy the book but I found it just too much.
The sisters finally agree to start a new venture in conjunction with a psychic - Netta Walters. Maggie, the older sister is not at all keen on the idea but finally agrees to starting The Blackheath Séance Parlour. It is an almost immediate success and when Judy's novel is accepted for publication it seems as though things are looking up for all three of the women.
The characters are well drawn and the atmosphere of Victorian Blackheath is well done but I found some of the novel really gruesome and found myself skipping some of the novel within a novel. It is definitely not for the squeamish. The problem I felt was that much of the horrific violence could have been excluded without affecting the story. It seemed to me that it was included with the intention of shocking the reader and it just spoiled the book for me. Others may enjoy the book but I found it just too much.
July 21, 2014
A haunting little novel indeed!!
Living in Greenwich myself it was an extra bonus reading about streets and places that I knew pretty well.
The atmosphere of Blackheath in 1842 is vividly painted, heightened by the progress of the two sisters from cake shop owners to Seance Parlour, with family gripes in tow.
When Netta Walters, a medium of some repute, joins them, the Parlour really takes off.
Sure enough, as the the seances and visual connections get into full throttle, the big argument involving the Church comes to the fore.
The atmosphere builds as Maggie, the supposedly lesser skilled sister, really makes a breakthrough, and at times it's hard to put this book down.
Running in tandem with all this is a nice little gothic horror story penned by Judy, the younger sister, which she is hoping to publish.
Very soon this is causing a furore as well as the Seance Parlour, and it all works very well.
Believe a follow up is in the pipeline - can't wait!
Living in Greenwich myself it was an extra bonus reading about streets and places that I knew pretty well.
The atmosphere of Blackheath in 1842 is vividly painted, heightened by the progress of the two sisters from cake shop owners to Seance Parlour, with family gripes in tow.
When Netta Walters, a medium of some repute, joins them, the Parlour really takes off.
Sure enough, as the the seances and visual connections get into full throttle, the big argument involving the Church comes to the fore.
The atmosphere builds as Maggie, the supposedly lesser skilled sister, really makes a breakthrough, and at times it's hard to put this book down.
Running in tandem with all this is a nice little gothic horror story penned by Judy, the younger sister, which she is hoping to publish.
Very soon this is causing a furore as well as the Seance Parlour, and it all works very well.
Believe a follow up is in the pipeline - can't wait!
August 23, 2013
I decided to buy this book as it is about my local area. I wasn't really sure what to expect but I found it a compulsive read. The characters were excellent, the gothic horror story shocking and the Seance Parlour story was gripping. I also didn't want it to end. I loved all the detail about Blackheath and was fascinated about what was around in 1842. So much was similar including the attitudes of the "villagers". In summary a fantastic read which I will definitely be recommending to all my friends as a must read.
March 21, 2014
I really enjoyed this book I loved how the two stories entwined. I found the descriptions and the setting were perfect. The images portrayed kept me reading far later at night then I should
The thought of contacting the dead is filled with wonder and dread and whilst they take this to the extreme the manner in which the sisters start small and grow pulls you deep into their story. I loved having the story that ran alongside it that could be a book in its own right. This is unlike anything else I have read and I have enjoyed every second.
The thought of contacting the dead is filled with wonder and dread and whilst they take this to the extreme the manner in which the sisters start small and grow pulls you deep into their story. I loved having the story that ran alongside it that could be a book in its own right. This is unlike anything else I have read and I have enjoyed every second.
September 24, 2015
This is now in my top all time favourite books. I was completely hooked on this. Absolutely loved all the characters. You get a real sense of the Victorian era whilst reading this, the author really draws you in and the way its written is so atmospheric. There are several stories running through the book, all of which are engrossing, and the bonus of a story within the story!
January 23, 2015
Loved reading about Victorian Blackheath in this interesting gothic novel within a novel. I instantly felt 'present' in the book, and found the strong female characters both funny and resilient in their desire for change.
Looking forward to more from this author.
Looking forward to more from this author.
January 15, 2014
Intricate read, but easy and enjoyable.
January 19, 2014
A thoroughly enjoyable read with wonderful feisty heroines - I'll definitely be looking out for more from this author.
January 13, 2014
a very enjoyable read. original sometimes funny and sometimes very sad would very much recommend
September 28, 2014
Thoroughly enjoyed this..great story involving well drawn characters...think The Exorcist meets Downton Abbey and your nearly there
May 18, 2014
A juicy little gothic number
October 5, 2014
I enjoyed reading this book, although in the beginning I got more interested in the story in Judy's book than the main plot. really liked the character of Maggie & her struggles in the beginning.
June 10, 2015
Really good. And I live one village over from Blackheath! Love to have neighbors as main characters of books. Very imaginative, creative effort - just enough real life / supernatural balance.
August 3, 2015
Great book, totally different to what I expected to read.
February 23, 2022
I loved this book! I was caught up in the characters. Such twists to this novel. I hated that it ended.
March 15, 2015
The only book I have ever read twice - totally bonkers, I loved every minute - brilliant
July 11, 2017
Absolutely excellent read. It was wonderfully written, and had encapsulated the sisters struggle, to becoming successful in their Séance Parlour. Such a bold thing to do, especially in the time period in which the book is set. I loved how the sisters had a very different kind of "sibling" rivalry, where one is talented, and the other tries to up the other by almost going insane, but with unlimited determination. These ladies aren't your regular "run of the mill" Victorians. They are strong, determined, and brave.
The history is spot ON, and accurate to how it would have been at the time for people to be visiting mediums, psychics and dabbling in the occult. I loved the realism. I bet it would have been the very same reaction from the Church if there was a Séance Parlour. Probably would have been accused of heresy.
It had the right amount of romance, eroticism, downright creepiness, and drama. It is a book that keeps you reading from page 1 all the way to page 352. I absolutely loved it. Best book I have read in a long time. Well done, Mr. Williams. Well done!!!
The history is spot ON, and accurate to how it would have been at the time for people to be visiting mediums, psychics and dabbling in the occult. I loved the realism. I bet it would have been the very same reaction from the Church if there was a Séance Parlour. Probably would have been accused of heresy.
It had the right amount of romance, eroticism, downright creepiness, and drama. It is a book that keeps you reading from page 1 all the way to page 352. I absolutely loved it. Best book I have read in a long time. Well done, Mr. Williams. Well done!!!
November 10, 2018
This is a very good historical novel. I have read the first UK edition and hoped it found many foreign publishers to translate it in their own language because it's much better than many bestselling novels out there. If you like period dramas, a good story and a pinch of mystery, you must read it!
August 4, 2019
As the author sums up so well in his appendix: "There is a mix of gothic horror, humour and the historical in [The Blackheath Seance Parlour]" and it is a pleasurable mix indeed. This book is an absolute joy to read and a genuine page-turner, and Maggie Cloak in particular is a wonderful character.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews