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The Other Side of Mrs Wood

By: Lucy Barker
Narrated by: Tracy-Ann Oberman
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Summary

A charming debut that sparks with fun and fizz’ GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

’A must read!’ SOPHIE IRWIN

’Storytelling at its finest’ STYLIST

A DAILY MAIL ‘novel to devour in 2023

Mrs Wood is London’s most celebrated medium. She’s managed to survive decades in the competitive world of contacting the Other Side, has avoided the dreaded slips that revealed others as frauds and is still hosting packed-out séances for Victorian high society.

Yet, some of her patrons have recently cancelled their appointments. There are reports of American mediums nearly materialising full spirits and audiences are no longer satisfied with the knocking on tables and candle theatrics of years gone by. And then, at one of Mrs Wood’s routine gatherings, she hears something terrifying – faint, but unmistakable: a yawn.

Mrs Wood needs to spice up her brand. She decides to take on Emmie, a young protégé, to join her show. But is Emmie Finch the naïve ingenue she seems to be? Or does she pose more of a threat to Mrs Wood’s reign and, more horrifyingly, her reputation than Mrs Wood could ever have imagined?

©2023 Lucy Barker (P)2023 HarperCollins Publishers Limited
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Critic reviews

‘I absolutely ADORED it. Such a juicy read and written so beautifully. Charming, gorgeous, an utter delight.’ Marian Keyes

‘Engaging and wonderfully original’ Katie Fforde

‘Intriguing, witty and unique. A must read!’ Sophie Irwin, author of A Lady’s Guide to Fortune Hunting

What listeners say about The Other Side of Mrs Wood

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    5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant book with lots of detail and great quips

I've had a few dud recommendations and I really struggle when narrators do terrible accents, but this book made me a believer again. Great story, humour and a good build of relationships. the narrator made it easy to listen too, so much so I almost missed my tube stop.

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Evocation and unusual story

Really liked this story and the narration.

I knew nothing of the existence of Mediums in Victorian society so it was nice to hear a story in that setting which was not the usual style of tale.

Interesting too to hear how much of the book is based on similar people who worked during that time.

I really enjoyed the book and would recommend.

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    3 out of 5 stars

An OK story. Harmless.

Mediocre storyline with good narrator. Storyline is playful but lacks gripping plot. Won't be recommending but not disappointed to have read.

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Unusual, gripping and fun story

Great narration and excellent characters and plot. Now off to see what else audible has by this author!

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Apport yourself to the séances of Victorian London

I am really enjoying the current growing selection of Victorian themed novels.
This story portrays Victorian-era London and its keen fascination with spiritualists. Even the most influential in society regularly consult with their personal mediums and the results are fascinating.
This novel addresses the rivalry between mediums and their battle not to be exposed as a fraud. I found it to be a fresh topic in the growing Victorian genre and the ending was satisfying.
It was interesting to read about the techniques used by mediums to produce dramatic effects, the etiquette of hosting a meeting of the Circle, and the preparations that go into holding a grand séance.
If you're looking for a twist you won't find it. This is more a historical look at experiences, spiritualism and trends at the time. It's a tale of
real rivalry between mediums at a time when seances, apporting, levitation and materialisations were at their height. I cared for Mrs Wood even though she doesn't necessarily help herself with some of her actions and this made me desperate to know whether she would be ruined or find a way through her demise.

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characters

liked everything absolutely brilliant read I usuay read crime fiction but have started listening to other fiction except romance

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