The unusual protagonist made Mr. Scarletti's Ghost particularly interesting. Mina Scarletti has a severe form of scoliosis, probably an S curve, that has left her body twisted and often painful. Her tiny, twisted body evokes pity and a little revulsion in others , but Mina is quite content with her life and exhibits no self-pity; she is bright, has a lively imagination and sense of humor, and is a published author (of horror stories she doesn't want her family to know about).
Victorian Brighton was a tourist mecca for recreational bathing, for spa treatments, and for various medical problems. The Palace Pier, the West Pier, the Royal Pavilion remain as attractions today. As spiritualism began its rise, Brighton was ready for the new entertainment provided by mediums.
When Mina's mother becomes interested in spiritual healing by Mr. Bradley and the seances of medium Miss Eustace, skeptical Mina initially attempts a non-judgmental approach. As long as these performances provide entertainment, she isn't concerned. The fact that they draw her mother from her mourning, giving her an interest and encouraging her social life seems a positive thing. Although the healing and seances require no payment, it is apparent that "small gifts" are accepted--at which point, Mina becomes concerned that her mother and her friends are being exploited, and she does some research.
Convinced that Miss Eustace is a fraud, Mina attempts to discover the trickery involved and expose Miss Eustace. It turns out to be more difficult than she imagines--those who believe so want to believe, and even some respected scientists of the day have become converts.
The research is thorough and references to the real scientists who became interested in spiritualism (as converts or debunkers) and the medium D.D. Homes, give verisimilitude to the story.
Definitely not a thriller, but an intriguing protagonist and an absorbing look at the spiritualist craze that swept across America and Europe. I will be looking for the next in the series.
Sapere Books
Historical Fiction/Spiritualism. 2018. Print length: 358 pages.