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A Penny Green Victorian Mystery #12
The Camden Spiritualist
A woman shot dead on her doorstep. A killer who disappears into the fog.
News reporter Penny doesn’t believe in spirits, so she’s unimpressed with the young medium who claims to communicate with the dead. Is it harmless entertainment or something more sinister?
When the spiritualist’s performance is interrupted by a protestor, Penny finds an ally. Two days later, her new friend is dead. As Penny investigates, the mystery deepens. Could family money lie behind the murder? Or an affair?
Soon, Penny suspects the spiritualist isn’t who she claims to be. There’s another puzzle to solve and increasing conflict with her police inspector husband. A second death puts a twist on the case, but Penny’s running out of time. Then comes news which changes her life forever…
News reporter Penny doesn’t believe in spirits, so she’s unimpressed with the young medium who claims to communicate with the dead. Is it harmless entertainment or something more sinister?
When the spiritualist’s performance is interrupted by a protestor, Penny finds an ally. Two days later, her new friend is dead. As Penny investigates, the mystery deepens. Could family money lie behind the murder? Or an affair?
Soon, Penny suspects the spiritualist isn’t who she claims to be. There’s another puzzle to solve and increasing conflict with her police inspector husband. A second death puts a twist on the case, but Penny’s running out of time. Then comes news which changes her life forever…
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 4, 2022
360 people are currently reading
156 people want to read
About the author
Emily Organ
72 books657 followersEmily Organ is the author of over thirty historical cozy mysteries set in Victorian and 1920s England. Her bestselling series include the Penny Green Victorian Mysteries, the Augusta Peel Mysteries, and her newest Emma Langley Victorian Mysteries, in which a plucky widow teams up with former reporter Penny Green. She also writes the Churchill & Pemberley cozy mysteries, featuring two spirited senior sleuths. Emily’s books combine warmth, wit, and a love of history, inspired by her fascination with London’s past.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
December 2, 2022
As has always happened when reading this series of books by Emily Organ, I am charmed and entertained by the life and adventures of her London based heroine. These books are a delightful break from some of the more serious topics I've been reading, while being well crafted, well edited and, for me, just plain fun. Highly recommended for a brief visit back to a time where life seems just a bit simpler.
November 1, 2022
I enjoyed the story but I really wasn't sold on the ending of the case. Not regarding the culprits but about what happens in the theatre (you'll know when you arrive there) It seemed... not very likely. Particularly when Mr Fairchild had done the exactly opposed thing less than 3 minutes before :P
But the mystery was really good, entangled with the spiritualism boom of that era and the debate between those who believe and those who didn't. Although I must be honest, I was more intrigued by Elizabeth Shelley's story than I was by the murder. I concocted a LOT of theories regarding her origin, all of them sadly debunked *laughs*
I'm really happy about Francis and his decision, he deserves to be happy and live a full life. Kudos to him! And I also liked how Mrs Garnett departure is handled, the closing of Milton Street being also the closing to that part of Penny's life.
And regarding the big news? Well, if Penny and James are happy, that's all that counts, isn't it?
A quick read and an interesting mystery with all the atmosphere and historical detail that this series is known for, it didn't disappoint.
But the mystery was really good, entangled with the spiritualism boom of that era and the debate between those who believe and those who didn't. Although I must be honest, I was more intrigued by Elizabeth Shelley's story than I was by the murder. I concocted a LOT of theories regarding her origin, all of them sadly debunked *laughs*
I'm really happy about Francis and his decision, he deserves to be happy and live a full life. Kudos to him! And I also liked how Mrs Garnett departure is handled, the closing of Milton Street being also the closing to that part of Penny's life.
And regarding the big news? Well, if Penny and James are happy, that's all that counts, isn't it?
A quick read and an interesting mystery with all the atmosphere and historical detail that this series is known for, it didn't disappoint.
December 4, 2022
Not as good as the previous books I feel The series is running out of steam
It was Nice to catch up with Penny and James but I felt the last few books have been missing something
It hasn't been The same since Penny and James got married its all a bit cosy now
The plot of this particular book was very thin not at all as clever or suspenseful as previous books
I've looked this series but now it feel tired and samey
I miss The Newspaper Office with Edgar Fish and co they hardly feature at all in this one
Maybe is time to leave Penny now
It was Nice to catch up with Penny and James but I felt the last few books have been missing something
It hasn't been The same since Penny and James got married its all a bit cosy now
The plot of this particular book was very thin not at all as clever or suspenseful as previous books
I've looked this series but now it feel tired and samey
I miss The Newspaper Office with Edgar Fish and co they hardly feature at all in this one
Maybe is time to leave Penny now
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2022
I thank Emily Organ for allowing me to be an advance reader. That said, I have loved partaking of all the Penny Green mysteries. This one, however, was not one of my favorites. As with past books, I love how Organ intertwines the history of the age into the mystery. Furthermore, I was guessing until almost the end as to who had committed the murder since Organ lays out so many different, possible suspects. Additionally, the author brings in all characters who have become part of the series, so there are no loose threads. Lastly, I was very interested in the idea of spiritualism in the Victorian Age. That said, what didn't work was finding out who the perpetrator was and seeing how Penny escaped with her life. It seemed too convenient. The other alarming part of this was how the character of Penny has evolved. Her behavior seemed atypical as she was almost petulant and argumentative- unlike the strong female lead I have come to respect. I didn't really care for the Penny who shows up in this book, and I believe a more creative solution to the murder could have been devised- maybe something connected with the jewel thieves?? I will always read a Penny Green mystery, but this just didn't measure up to Organ's other offerings.
November 20, 2022
I love the Penny Green mysteries, but this title was not my favorite. I wanted a denoument between Penny and another character but it didn't happen.
November 7, 2022
A real who dunit by the celebrated author Emily Organ. This is a gripping tale recounted so well.
The end is rather abrupt and I fail to understand how a seasoned Scotland Yard inspector could be blackmailed.
Also as a veteran gynaecologist I can't agree with the quickening symptoms of pregnancy experienced by Penny.
Quickening is the perception of foetal movements and in a primigravida who is pregnant for the first time, it usually is apparent only at 14 to 16 weeks of pregnancy. By that time she would have missed at least 3 or 4 periods.
In the Victorian era there were no urine pregnancy tests or Ultrasonography or even x rays to confirm a pregnancy. May be Penny had irregular menstrual cycles.
Nevertheless I enjoyed the Book very much.
The end is rather abrupt and I fail to understand how a seasoned Scotland Yard inspector could be blackmailed.
Also as a veteran gynaecologist I can't agree with the quickening symptoms of pregnancy experienced by Penny.
Quickening is the perception of foetal movements and in a primigravida who is pregnant for the first time, it usually is apparent only at 14 to 16 weeks of pregnancy. By that time she would have missed at least 3 or 4 periods.
In the Victorian era there were no urine pregnancy tests or Ultrasonography or even x rays to confirm a pregnancy. May be Penny had irregular menstrual cycles.
Nevertheless I enjoyed the Book very much.
December 7, 2023
Once again Emily gives us a tale of intrigue, humour , and a new love of the characters in The Camden Spiritualist! You really should read the eleven books that precede this latest offering to be able to get to know the characters and see how their lives progress through the series and see the personal growth and development in each one. Although Penny is the main character there's lots to love about the folks around her. I thoroughly enjoyed this latest in the series and highly recommend it along with the others before it. When you've read all of those ....then I highly recommend you also enjoy Churchill and Pemberley with its really endearing ladies and their adventures. Not to forget Emily has her new series of Augusta Peel which is also a delight to read with a nice cup of tea and a blanket! Thank you Emily for bringing your imagination into our lives!
The Belgrave square Murder
What a delightful treat to visit Penny Green once again!
After the final mystery in the series it was sad to bid Penny adieu so to have The Belgrave Square Murder was a happy surprise. It's set early on in the series when she's only worked with James briefly.
In the search for the murderer Penny, already bearing an injury from the previous case, finds herself once more in grave danger. An exciting and cleverly crafted mystery! This is set between Limelight and The Rookery and available for free from the author.
The Belgrave square Murder
What a delightful treat to visit Penny Green once again!
After the final mystery in the series it was sad to bid Penny adieu so to have The Belgrave Square Murder was a happy surprise. It's set early on in the series when she's only worked with James briefly.
In the search for the murderer Penny, already bearing an injury from the previous case, finds herself once more in grave danger. An exciting and cleverly crafted mystery! This is set between Limelight and The Rookery and available for free from the author.
January 22, 2026
Having now read the full series I’m sad to say goodbye to penny, James, and the rest of the gang. The series is well researched and grounded in historical facts and events, which truly transport you to Victorian London.
Following the death of medium sceptic penny has befriended, she is drawn into a world of spiritualism. Penny and James race to find a killer whilst dealing with a variety of personal challenges. The plot to this book is not the strongest of the series, with the culprit rather obvious and the big reveal felt somewhat underwhelming. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve powered through this book on record time and enjoyed it. However, it does feel that it’s main purpose of this instalment was to come to a conclusion on characters lives as this series draws to an end. Some of this feels satisfying, but as a fan of this series, it felt that some of the characters had been hard done by. I’m sad we don’t get to see the Liverpool meet up and felt terribly sorry for poor Mr Sherman!
I would recommend this series to others but feel this series is best read in order. Meanwhile, I’ll be exploring the authors other series.
Following the death of medium sceptic penny has befriended, she is drawn into a world of spiritualism. Penny and James race to find a killer whilst dealing with a variety of personal challenges. The plot to this book is not the strongest of the series, with the culprit rather obvious and the big reveal felt somewhat underwhelming. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve powered through this book on record time and enjoyed it. However, it does feel that it’s main purpose of this instalment was to come to a conclusion on characters lives as this series draws to an end. Some of this feels satisfying, but as a fan of this series, it felt that some of the characters had been hard done by. I’m sad we don’t get to see the Liverpool meet up and felt terribly sorry for poor Mr Sherman!
I would recommend this series to others but feel this series is best read in order. Meanwhile, I’ll be exploring the authors other series.
November 3, 2022
This was a fantastic story! As with all the other Penny Green mysteries, I enjoyed this one immensely.
There is so much period detail and even a couple of history lessons in here. There were also some pleasant surprises atho you'll have to read the book to find out what they are. There was a departure at the end that made me cry. It felt like an old friend was leaving me.
This story had a sense of finality to it so I'm wondering if this might not be the last Penny Green mystery??? I certainly hope not but if it is, I'd have to say that it ended nicely. I can see some future storylines in here but who knows? All I can say is that I definitely recommend this book (and all the other books in this series too).
Emily Organ has another winner on her hands.
A very solid 5 stars.
I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving my review voluntarily.
There is so much period detail and even a couple of history lessons in here. There were also some pleasant surprises atho you'll have to read the book to find out what they are. There was a departure at the end that made me cry. It felt like an old friend was leaving me.
This story had a sense of finality to it so I'm wondering if this might not be the last Penny Green mystery??? I certainly hope not but if it is, I'd have to say that it ended nicely. I can see some future storylines in here but who knows? All I can say is that I definitely recommend this book (and all the other books in this series too).
Emily Organ has another winner on her hands.
A very solid 5 stars.
I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving my review voluntarily.
Read
March 14, 2023I'm a big fan of Emily Organ and have read all of the Penny Green books in order. But beginning with the last book, I felt annoyed at the where the storyline was heading and the shift in Penny's perspective. The whole thing with her father is incredibly annoying and didn't contribute to anything, but aggravate me. We see Penny playing the role of an outsider, whereas in the past, she would join James and they would share moments of investigative insight. Now, she's relegated to the role of the wife who doesn't interfere with her husband's job. I don't know, I guess I was hoping she would rekindle her friendship with Beth and form a female private investigation company. Anyway, I won't be rushing to continue reading this series any time soon. However, I would highly recommend Organ's Churchill and Pemberley series - those are a real hoot!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2023
When Penny attends the performance of a spiritualist she meets a woman who disrupts the program because she believes it is all a farce. Two days later the woman is murdered on her own doorstep.
Penny's husband, James, is the Scotland Yard inspector who is assigned to the murder and of course Penny must help as she is also writing an article on the spiritualist she saw.
Of course, the main suspect is the spiritualist and her helper, guardian but it seems impossible to get any real grasp on them. There is also the dead woman's sister who stands to inherit a fortune.
While investigating both Penny's and James' are kidnapped and threatened.
Meanwhile Penny and James will have to adjust to some changes in their lives but they will be good ones.
Penny's husband, James, is the Scotland Yard inspector who is assigned to the murder and of course Penny must help as she is also writing an article on the spiritualist she saw.
Of course, the main suspect is the spiritualist and her helper, guardian but it seems impossible to get any real grasp on them. There is also the dead woman's sister who stands to inherit a fortune.
While investigating both Penny's and James' are kidnapped and threatened.
Meanwhile Penny and James will have to adjust to some changes in their lives but they will be good ones.
July 17, 2025
So I read all 12 books. The plots were well-developed and interesting. There was a lot of history around the issues the author wanted to discuss. From a historical perspective, the background and description of London was helpful -- lots of travel by train and bus!
That said, as the stories progressed I became less enamored with Penny. She became argumentative -- yes, her life changed when she married, but, still, her personality also changed. And by the last book, I know the author was trying to end this thing, but I never thought she wouldn't have known how not to get pregnant! Totally not what early Penny wanted nor in keeping with the progress of the stories. Kind of like a cheating ending, imo.
That said, as the stories progressed I became less enamored with Penny. She became argumentative -- yes, her life changed when she married, but, still, her personality also changed. And by the last book, I know the author was trying to end this thing, but I never thought she wouldn't have known how not to get pregnant! Totally not what early Penny wanted nor in keeping with the progress of the stories. Kind of like a cheating ending, imo.
November 12, 2022
Love the Penny Green Blakey stories
The only problem with these stories is that I devour them fast and then have a long wait for another. My mother grew up loving Nancy Drew mysteries. I never got into those, but these mysteries are my love. Not only do you get an entertaining mystery, but you learn some history about London and the mid to late 1800s. This time I learned about the beginning of spiritualism. I had never heard of the Fox sisters before, but I learned about them here and looked them up. It is a delight to read a light fiction that has historical tidbits scattered in it.
The only problem with these stories is that I devour them fast and then have a long wait for another. My mother grew up loving Nancy Drew mysteries. I never got into those, but these mysteries are my love. Not only do you get an entertaining mystery, but you learn some history about London and the mid to late 1800s. This time I learned about the beginning of spiritualism. I had never heard of the Fox sisters before, but I learned about them here and looked them up. It is a delight to read a light fiction that has historical tidbits scattered in it.
January 2, 2025
I’ve followed our lovely Penny from Limelight to this, so I rattled through it very quickly. Amidst mind-fatiguing research and the woes of a debilitating case of lurgy (me, not Penny), it was a bit like curling up under a warm blanket and eating your favourite chocolates, whilst having to guess what the centres are; pleasurable, not too hard to contemplate, but still with enough to make the grey matter open a sleepy eye and recalculate available options.
I do hope we see her again as she embarks upon a new phase in her life. Surely the opportunity to see what danger she can blithely plod her button boots into in her new role is too good to pass up, Ms Organ? 🙏
I do hope we see her again as she embarks upon a new phase in her life. Surely the opportunity to see what danger she can blithely plod her button boots into in her new role is too good to pass up, Ms Organ? 🙏
November 6, 2022
When a woman Penny meets while covering a spiritualist's performance is murdered, Penny can not let it go. In her usual intrepid manner, she sets out to discover the secrets of the spiritualist and solve the seemingly related murder.
The Penny Green Mysteries are best if read in order, as there is so much development of the regular characters in the series. At the end of this installment, we see many impending changes in Penny’s life and the lives of many of the other regular characters. I can’t wait for the next adventure.
The Penny Green Mysteries are best if read in order, as there is so much development of the regular characters in the series. At the end of this installment, we see many impending changes in Penny’s life and the lives of many of the other regular characters. I can’t wait for the next adventure.
December 17, 2022
I've been needing my Penny Green fix, and this one doesn't disappoint.
The ending was bittersweet which is the author's favorite trademark. A bit of a cliffhanger without leaving you dangerously dangling. I can't wait for Penny's next adventure as her life changes even more. I'm also dying for another Churchill & Pemberly. That series is a 2022 favorite of mine! Penny grabbed that spot in 2021! For all Historical Cozy Mystery lovers, this is a must read series. Seriously, grab or download book one, and you'll be delighted to read down the rabbit hole of Penny and James.
The ending was bittersweet which is the author's favorite trademark. A bit of a cliffhanger without leaving you dangerously dangling. I can't wait for Penny's next adventure as her life changes even more. I'm also dying for another Churchill & Pemberly. That series is a 2022 favorite of mine! Penny grabbed that spot in 2021! For all Historical Cozy Mystery lovers, this is a must read series. Seriously, grab or download book one, and you'll be delighted to read down the rabbit hole of Penny and James.
November 5, 2022
Excellent Series
This is the latest in the Penny Green series, and hopefully not the last. A female reporter during a time when they were few and far between. I enjoy the characters, the mysteries and the development of characters over time. As one who reads from the first book through, I recommend that as you see Penny's growth, not only as an investigative reporter but withing her personal world.
This is the latest in the Penny Green series, and hopefully not the last. A female reporter during a time when they were few and far between. I enjoy the characters, the mysteries and the development of characters over time. As one who reads from the first book through, I recommend that as you see Penny's growth, not only as an investigative reporter but withing her personal world.
November 14, 2022
Real or Just a Show?
I am always happy when a new Penny Green book arrives ...ms Organ never disappoints. In this adventure Penny and James are confronted by a brutal murder that may or may not have involved an aging professor and the young girl he has made into a nationally recognized physic . The trail is dark and twisted...but Penny unravels the twists and turns and finds The culprits .
I am always happy when a new Penny Green book arrives ...ms Organ never disappoints. In this adventure Penny and James are confronted by a brutal murder that may or may not have involved an aging professor and the young girl he has made into a nationally recognized physic . The trail is dark and twisted...but Penny unravels the twists and turns and finds The culprits .
January 1, 2023
I love the Penny (Green) Blakely series. I always learn so much about Victorian and post Victorian London and surrounding towns and villages. I was surprised that Penny became pregnant but it's an interesting twist. I'm sorry to see Francis leave but I hope we get to hear from him by post. My view on spiritualists is that it's just entertainment, the same as paying for any other night on the town show. Coercion, is another thing all together. Bravo Emily Organ
July 7, 2025
This most recent in the series is still perfectly readable. But, in the end, I didn't enjoy it as much as I have earlier volumes. Penny is getting a bit whiny I think, as is her sister Eliza. They just seem to be doing foolish or silly things for the sake of the plot. And the mystery here wasn't really much of a mystery. I guess, for me, it just felt very formulaic. I'm also not feeling the relationship between her and Scotland Yard inspector James at all.
November 3, 2022
This latest entry in Emily Organ's excellent "Penny Green" mystery series delves into (debunking) spiritualism, which was popular with many Victorians, even Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
I enjoyed this book very much as I have all the books in the series. It didn't rely so much on "who-done-it" (although there are several good suspects) but provided a good story as it accurately describes London physically and socially in that era.
I do recommend reading the series in order so you understand the interrelationships between all the characters.
I enjoyed this book very much as I have all the books in the series. It didn't rely so much on "who-done-it" (although there are several good suspects) but provided a good story as it accurately describes London physically and socially in that era.
I do recommend reading the series in order so you understand the interrelationships between all the characters.
October 31, 2022
Absolutely loved this! Emily organ as always knocked it out of the park. It was great having Penny Green back. Fun with some great twists and I love the descriptions of London! Can’t wait for the next one in her adventure
November 15, 2022
A great read!!! Love the mystery and adventure.
Always love the excitement Penny brings to these novels. She is a true crusader for women's achievements in the early years of reporters and newspapers. Her love interest is also fun and combines work with being a wife.
Always love the excitement Penny brings to these novels. She is a true crusader for women's achievements in the early years of reporters and newspapers. Her love interest is also fun and combines work with being a wife.
December 9, 2022
Rather hoped for more
Penny's latest case seems to shut down several avenues for her future.. and its a bitty rather speculative case where the weird behaviour of others is just glossed over and too neatly and conveniently tidied up at the end.
Penny's latest case seems to shut down several avenues for her future.. and its a bitty rather speculative case where the weird behaviour of others is just glossed over and too neatly and conveniently tidied up at the end.
December 31, 2022
I had missed reading Penny's stories, and really liked this book. As always the historial context and descriptions make you feel like you're there, very much recommend this story, especially if you like Penny's books!
January 24, 2023
flat ending
Least favorite of the series. It felt as if the author was suddenly bored with the story ; ending was thrown together. After all the discussion about Millie it would have been nice to have it tied together. Rather disappointing
Least favorite of the series. It felt as if the author was suddenly bored with the story ; ending was thrown together. After all the discussion about Millie it would have been nice to have it tied together. Rather disappointing
March 4, 2023
A Completely Wonderful Serues!!
I fell in love with Penny Green within the first few chapters of the first book and she has never failed to amaze me. The geographical descriptions are so accurate they could be used as a tour guide of London. All I can say is: MORE PENNY!
I fell in love with Penny Green within the first few chapters of the first book and she has never failed to amaze me. The geographical descriptions are so accurate they could be used as a tour guide of London. All I can say is: MORE PENNY!
May 4, 2023
Another great book by Emily Organ
I can't believe I read 12 Emily Organ book in the Penny Green series. I enjoyed everyone of them. Her characterization is excellent And this thing for each person.I can't wait for the next one.
I can't believe I read 12 Emily Organ book in the Penny Green series. I enjoyed everyone of them. Her characterization is excellent And this thing for each person.I can't wait for the next one.
November 2, 2022
An interesting story about the Victorian embrace of connecting with the dead that was the rage of that era. Penny is ever at the core of all the adventure. Perfectly told. Highly Recommended.
June 25, 2023
never disappoints
I am thoroughly enjoying the Penny Green series and hope it never ends. Each book is a visit to my favorite time period.
I am thoroughly enjoying the Penny Green series and hope it never ends. Each book is a visit to my favorite time period.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews