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The Society of Free Spirits #2
A Deadly Scandal: YA murder mystery with a ghostly, supernatural twist
Not yet published
Expected 27 Aug 26An occult device leaving threatening messages. A dinner party ending with a fatal main course. Was it a tragic accident, or is something foul at play? The Society of Free Spirits invites you to investigate, in this YA crime series with a supernatural twist.
Ada Hawthorne would much rather be hunting for ghosts than for a husband. So when the Society of Free Spirits is invited to host a séance investigating the Spirit Hand - an occult device haunting its owner with threatening messages - Ada can't wait to show off her spiritualist talents to London's elite.
But then a guest is fatally stabbed with a hatpin during the séance, and Ada ends up with more on her plate than a fancy dinner!
The society's reputation is hanging on by a thread, and Ada can't afford her family name being dragged through another scandalous gossip column. But when visions of the ghost appear and demand that the murder be solved, Ada and her friends have no choice but to engage in some less-than-ladylike behaviour to uncover the mystery. They'll soon learn that in high society, everyone's watching - including the ghosts.
Ada Hawthorne would much rather be hunting for ghosts than for a husband. So when the Society of Free Spirits is invited to host a séance investigating the Spirit Hand - an occult device haunting its owner with threatening messages - Ada can't wait to show off her spiritualist talents to London's elite.
But then a guest is fatally stabbed with a hatpin during the séance, and Ada ends up with more on her plate than a fancy dinner!
The society's reputation is hanging on by a thread, and Ada can't afford her family name being dragged through another scandalous gossip column. But when visions of the ghost appear and demand that the murder be solved, Ada and her friends have no choice but to engage in some less-than-ladylike behaviour to uncover the mystery. They'll soon learn that in high society, everyone's watching - including the ghosts.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication August 27, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Having read “A Grave Inheritance” by the same author, I was thrilled to be allocated an E-ARC from #NetGalley of “A Deadly Scandal”.
The last time we met Ada, Dolores and Violet was when they had just solved a murder and were hopeful that their ‘Society of Free Spirits’ was on the cusp of great success. When we meet them in this instalment, we find that things are not completely as they would like them. Ada is being pressured by her father to conform to society’s expectations of her, Dolores is dealing with coming out of mourning, and Violet is wondering whether or not her talents as a medium are quite what she thought they might be.
The genres of crime/detective fiction and paranormal fiction are entertainingly interwoven. So too are themes including bereavement, feminism, grief, inequality, patriarchy, and same-sex attraction. They are serious topics addressed with a light touch. Plus, I have learned even more about Victorian customs, from the etiquette of taking tea, to what to wear when grieving.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I am really hoping that there will be more to come. A great read.
The last time we met Ada, Dolores and Violet was when they had just solved a murder and were hopeful that their ‘Society of Free Spirits’ was on the cusp of great success. When we meet them in this instalment, we find that things are not completely as they would like them. Ada is being pressured by her father to conform to society’s expectations of her, Dolores is dealing with coming out of mourning, and Violet is wondering whether or not her talents as a medium are quite what she thought they might be.
The genres of crime/detective fiction and paranormal fiction are entertainingly interwoven. So too are themes including bereavement, feminism, grief, inequality, patriarchy, and same-sex attraction. They are serious topics addressed with a light touch. Plus, I have learned even more about Victorian customs, from the etiquette of taking tea, to what to wear when grieving.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I am really hoping that there will be more to come. A great read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I was so excited to return to the Society of Free Spirits as the first book was so much fun. This second installment absolutely didn't disappoint.
I enjoyed the story being told from Ada's perspective, especially as it gave more depth to her character. She seemed quite silly and frivolous in book one, so it was great to see a fair bit of character development.
The mystery was absolutely excellent and full of twists and turns that kept me guessing. There were a few reveals that I didn't see coming and the final one genuinely shocked me and was done so well.
Because souch happens, the pacing is really good and I flew through this book. Despite it being a quick read, it really does deal with a lot so you don't feel like it needs anything more.
I'm even more excited for book three now, especially following the last few pages.
I was so excited to return to the Society of Free Spirits as the first book was so much fun. This second installment absolutely didn't disappoint.
I enjoyed the story being told from Ada's perspective, especially as it gave more depth to her character. She seemed quite silly and frivolous in book one, so it was great to see a fair bit of character development.
The mystery was absolutely excellent and full of twists and turns that kept me guessing. There were a few reveals that I didn't see coming and the final one genuinely shocked me and was done so well.
Because souch happens, the pacing is really good and I flew through this book. Despite it being a quick read, it really does deal with a lot so you don't feel like it needs anything more.
I'm even more excited for book three now, especially following the last few pages.
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July 23, 2026✨4 stars✨
This book was such a fun, historical murder mystery filled with occult and paranormal elements.
I really enjoyed this book and found the writing engaging and easy to get through, especially as it’s quite a short book coming in at around 300 pages. I didn’t realise that this book is technically a second book and I haven’t read the first book. However, this didn’t affect my enjoyment of the book so can totally see people just picking this book up for an entertaining palate cleanser.
If you liked The Agency for Scandal series by Laura Wood then I think you’ll enjoy this book/series and Felicity Epps’ writing.
I received an ARC from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
This book was such a fun, historical murder mystery filled with occult and paranormal elements.
I really enjoyed this book and found the writing engaging and easy to get through, especially as it’s quite a short book coming in at around 300 pages. I didn’t realise that this book is technically a second book and I haven’t read the first book. However, this didn’t affect my enjoyment of the book so can totally see people just picking this book up for an entertaining palate cleanser.
If you liked The Agency for Scandal series by Laura Wood then I think you’ll enjoy this book/series and Felicity Epps’ writing.
I received an ARC from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What a wonderfully fun second instalment in the Society of Free Spirits series!
I absolutely loved the first book and unravelling of the mystery following Dolores, so when I found out book 2 was going to be about Ada, I knew there was definitely more chaos to come.
I loved how, throughout the book, other plotlines and characters had moments to shine. We still get to see our girls' friendship blossom even more. I am hoping that there is a book 3, our leading lady will be Violet because I am so intrigued by how she can commune with ghosts, and that would be great to see in her pov.
I absolutely loved the first book and unravelling of the mystery following Dolores, so when I found out book 2 was going to be about Ada, I knew there was definitely more chaos to come.
I loved how, throughout the book, other plotlines and characters had moments to shine. We still get to see our girls' friendship blossom even more. I am hoping that there is a book 3, our leading lady will be Violet because I am so intrigued by how she can commune with ghosts, and that would be great to see in her pov.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I loved this book. Flew through it in three evenings. I was kindly given this as an ARC and even though I didn’t realise it was the second book of a series I didn’t need to worry as the book is a complete story. However I’m going to grab the first book now as I loved this one so much. Ive been bored of intense Romantasy lately and this story was a fast paced, lighthearted read and perfect to get over a reading slump
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I absolutely loved this book. The writing and characters were amazing. I adored the first book and this one is even better. The plot was so unpredictable and at the end I was shocked. Book 3??
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.75
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews