Sacramento, 1885
Edie and Violet Bond know the truth about death. The seventeen-year-old twins are powerful mediums, just like their mother—Violet can open the veil between life and death, and Edie can cross into the spirit world. But their abilities couldn’t save them when their mother died and their father threatened to commit them to a notorious asylum.
Now runaways, Edie and Violet are part of a traveling Spiritualist show, a tight-knit group of young women who demonstrate their real talents under the guise of communing with spirits. Each night, actresses, poets, musicians, and orators all make contact with spirits who happen to have something to say. . . notions that young ladies could never openly express. But when Violet’s act goes terribly wrong one night, Edie learns that the dark spirit responsible for their mother’s death has crossed into the land of the living. As they investigate the identity of her mysterious final client, they realize that someone is hunting mediums…and they may be next.Only by trusting in one another can the twins uncover a killer who will stop at nothing to cheat death.
Edie and Violet Bond know the truth about death. The seventeen-year-old twins are powerful mediums, just like their mother—Violet can open the veil between life and death, and Edie can cross into the spirit world. But their abilities couldn’t save them when their mother died and their father threatened to commit them to a notorious asylum.
Now runaways, Edie and Violet are part of a traveling Spiritualist show, a tight-knit group of young women who demonstrate their real talents under the guise of communing with spirits. Each night, actresses, poets, musicians, and orators all make contact with spirits who happen to have something to say. . . notions that young ladies could never openly express. But when Violet’s act goes terribly wrong one night, Edie learns that the dark spirit responsible for their mother’s death has crossed into the land of the living. As they investigate the identity of her mysterious final client, they realize that someone is hunting mediums…and they may be next.Only by trusting in one another can the twins uncover a killer who will stop at nothing to cheat death.
Title: The Second Death of Edie and Violet Bond
Author: Amanda Glaze
Publication Date: 10/4/2022
Publication Date: 10/4/2022
Publisher: Union Square
Review:
I want t0 thank Union Square for providing me with a finished copy of this book to read and give my honest review.
When I was offered this book, I was unsure I would truly like it. But since I have always enjoyed books that take place during the 19th century I was intrigued. And, in all honestly, the premise of the book greatly reminded me of a series I read by VE Schwab which I thoroughly enjoyed. So off I went to read it.
Edie and Violet, twins with the power to communicate and commune with the spiritual world. I love this idea of a connection with those beyond our realm. A connection with a realm dedicated to the in-between. The idea of a true connection to the restless spirits who need one last meeting with their loved ones before they can truly be at peace. This is what Violet and Edie bring to the community. And, while the show they present is mostly fake, it's that bit of realness they are able to infuse into it that keeps the audience coming back.
I enjoyed how these characters were developed, though I think I would have liked to have seen a bit more of Violet. Given the book was written from Edie's point of view, I think it left that little bit of unknown for Violet's character and my connection with her was not as strong because of this. I also enjoyed Laws, who was funny and gentle and kind.
The book moved quickly, the plot forming and shaping well without any holes that I really could see.
I will say, I guessed much of what characters would be involved where and when they would appear. It didn't detract from the story, but it was too easy to figure out and I would have enjoyed more mystery of the "who done it".
The writing flowed very well. The beginning is more a slow burn until you hit about half way into the book, at which time I really didn't want to put it down. You can see the author did her research of how a story from this time period would have been told. I especially enjoyed the afterward where she explained a bit about her inspiration and where she was able to pull some of her ideas.
The cover of this book is also gorgeous. This is one, had I spent some time in a book store, I would have picked up just because of what the cover looks like. I am a sucker for a pretty cover!
Overall, a fantastic read I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys books about spiritualism and historical fiction. I would definitely pick up more books from this author.
Amanda Glaze is the bestselling author of The Second Death of Edie and Violet Bond, a Barnes & Noble YA Book Club Pick. She grew up in Northern California where she spent most of her time with her nose in a book or putting on plays with friends. Since then, she’s lived many lives: as a bookseller, a theater director, and an Emmy award-winning film and television producer. When she’s not running off to the mountains, she lives in Los Angeles with her partner and their two cat writing familiars.
Find her online at amandaglaze.com or connect on Instagram, Twitter, or Tiktok @amandabglaze.
Find her online at amandaglaze.com or connect on Instagram, Twitter, or Tiktok @amandabglaze.
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